The Monira Residency Chicago is a 12-month residency that provides established working artists with a nurturing environment in which to create their work. This year, open call is March 25- April 26, 2024, and will award the one artist a studio. All applicants must be at least 21, American citizens or residents of the United States during the residency period, not be enrolled in a degree-granting program or other residencies at the time of their residency, and be able to demonstrate an understanding of our program. We encourage artists working in all media and in interdisciplinary practices to apply. The residency will begin in August 2024. Applications may be submitted by individual artists or from artist collaborations who are looking to create new works.
Selected Artists have access to a private 300 sq/ft studio for their 12-month residency. The space has a basic studio work table, chairs, and access to a small portable wood floor if requested. It is adaptable to artists’ needs and has electrical outlets and internet access. The Foundation will also supply a $500 honorarium to the lead applicant to support their work.
Residency Eligibility
Residency Experience Summary
Application Information
Application and Selection Process:
In each application, we ask you to provide an artist statement (150 words), a statement that tells us why you are interested in the Monira Residencies Program (250 words), and to submit 5 images or videos of your work. It can be in any media, though note that our program best serves visual art practices. No composite images or files with multiple images exceeding the 5 requested will be accepted (the application will not be reviewed). You may share video links that are uploaded on a PDF page as part of your portfolio. (one link per submission) Each link will be viewed as part of the 5 and not additional. Only 5 works will be reviewed, and no more. Please note in the description which sections to view and remove and password restrictions. Videos, images, and statements cannot have artist names or identification on them as we work hard to keep our applications blind. Image descriptions should include title, media, year, and relevant description.
We aim to keep this application equitable and heavily focused on the work submitted. Reviewers will not see applicant names during the process and will only have access to the artist statement, the program statement, and the portfolio. They will not spend more than 10-15 minutes on each application, so plan accordingly.
Each application will also ask for general information and a recent resume for internal use only. Artists are not selected based on their showing record, They are selected for their work and readiness to undertake a yearlong residency. Please ensure your Slideroom account is up to date when submitting, as we rely on their system to communicate during this process.
The Monira Foundation will convene a panel of arts professionals from Chicago to select the artist for the upcoming year. This panel will only be announced after each cycle (about 10 weeks after the open call ends) and will change yearly. We will likely send notifications in late June this cycle. For application questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Anne Muntges at anne@monirafoundation.org
Jurors look for:
- Artistic Excellence: compelling work with a distinct voice and vision.
- Evidence of Commitment: A history of active engagement in creating artwork and presenting it publicly
- Impact: Will this residency help artists further their practice and/or career?
- Engagement: Will artists participating engage with the community at the Monira Foundation and the general public through studio visits and community programming?