Application and Selection Process:

Applications will open in February of 2023. In each application we ask you to provide bios for each applicant (if applying as a collaborative), a project proposal (250 words), a tentative plan for your time in the studio, and to submit 5 images of your work. Images should include samples of completed projects and a possible mock up of the proposed project (if possible). No composite images or files with multiple images will be accepted. Individual slide images only. Images and statements cannot  have artist names or identification on them. Image Descriptions should include title, media, year, and description.  Our aim is to keep this application equitable and heavily focused on the work submitted. Reviewers will not see applicant names during the process and only have access to the artist statement, the program statement and the portfolio.

Each application will also ask for general information and a recent resume for internal use only. Please make sure 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 through the support of our advisory board to select an artist or artist collaborative for the 2 residency slots in the upcoming year. This selection panel will only be announced after each cycle (8-10 weeks after the open call ends) and will change year to year. For application questions please contact Anne Muntges at anne@monirafoundation.org

Jurors look for

1. Artistic Excellence: work that is compelling with a distinct voice and vision.
2. Evidence of Commitment: A history of active engagement in creating artwork and presenting it publicly, and does the proposed work seem feasible based on history of practice.
3. Impact: Will this residency help the artist(s) further their practice?
4. Engagement: Will artist participating engage with the community at the Monira Foundation and the general public through studio visits and community programming.

Monira Foundation’s Artist in Residence Program, Chicago supports artists with established careers who work in any visual arts media and performance. 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 visual media to apply.

The Monira Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering mutual respect for the diverse beliefs and values of all individuals and groups regardless of age, sex, race or ability. The Monira Foundation will not discriminate among any of these grounds and encourages all established artists who would benefit from this program to apply.

Special Notes:

Artists who are accepted into the program must be prepared to actively use their studio space and not be enrolled in any other program during their residency. Residency periods are from July – December 2023 and January to June 2024.The residency takes place at 2233 S Throop St, (inside Mana Contemporary).

The assigned residency studio has 24 hour 7 day a week access and is equipped with a table and two stools. It is roughly 300 sq/ft. Regular studio hours for the dance studio are 08 am to midnight. Subject to availability, the studio may be scheduled an average of 8 to 12 hours per week, as single or split days through High Concept Labs. The dance studio is a shared space. Return it to the same, or better, condition as you found it when arriving.