2026-27 OPEN CALL: Monira Residency

Monira Foundation Artist-in-Residence Program (Jersey City, NJ)

Open Call: May 4th – June 12th, 2026

Location: 888 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ (Inside Mana Contemporary)

Who We Are

Since 2011, the Monira Foundation has awarded artists rent-free, non-living studio space for 12 months. We provide a rigorous, contemplative environment to facilitate artistic production and strengthen professional bonds within a vital creative community.

Program Overview & Facilities

• The Space: Private, adaptable 500 sq. ft. studio with natural light, a sink, basic furniture (worktable/chairs), electrical outlets, and internet access.
• The Stipend: $2,150 total stipend for the 2026-2027 cycle to support full residency participation.
• Special Opportunities During Residency: Scheduled studio visits from prominent artists, curators, critics, and collectors; exclusive exhibition opportunities; and the production of a dedicated studio visit video to feature your work.

Eligibility & Requirements

• Media: Open to established artists working in all visual arts media.
• Age & Enrollment: Must be at least 21 years old and not currently enrolled in a degree-granting program or another residency.
• Legal Status: Must reside in the U.S. during the residency and possess a U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) or equivalent for W9 payment processing.
• Presence & Commitment: Active studio use is required. Participation in other programs during the residency is not advised, and extended travel during the 12-month cycle is highly discouraged.
• Timeline: Studios start on a rolling basis between September 2026 and March 2027. The final schedule is set with the Residency Director after acceptance into the program.

Learn more about this program at: https://monirafoundation.org/monira-residencies/

Each Application on Slideroom Must Include:

• Artist Statement: Max 150 words.
• Program Statement: Max 250 words explaining why you want to join this residency. Focus on how this specific opportunity will positively impact your current work, rather than simply stating a general need for studio space.
• Portfolio: Exactly 5 images or video links (links count toward the 5-item limit).
• No composite images and no PDFs will be accepted.
• Remove password restrictions on videos.
• Include title, media, year, and a brief description for each file.
• Administrative Materials: General information and a recent resume. (This is strictly for internal/administrative use if accepted and will be hidden from the jury during review).

⚠️ Note: Reviewers spend a maximum of 10 minutes per application. Please curate your submission accordingly. Keep your Slideroom account fully updated, as it is our primary tool for communication throughout this process.

Timeline & Selection Process

An independent, rotating panel of NY/NJ arts professionals—including curators, artists, and non-profit art leaders—will select the 5 artists. To ensure a fair and blind review, the panel remains anonymous until choices are finalized.

• Application Deadline: June 12th, 2026
• Notifications Sent: Mid-to-late August 2026

What Jurors Look For

1. Artistic Excellence: A distinct voice and compelling creative vision.
2. Evidence of Commitment: An active history of creating and publicly presenting work.
3. Impact: Clear alignment on how this specific studio space will directly further your practice.
4. Engagement: Eagerness to actively participate in the Monira community and our public programming.

Submit Your Application

Apply online via SlideRoom: https://monirafoundation.slideroom.com/#/login/program/88597

Deadline: June 12th, 2026

For application or accessibility questions, please contact Anne Muntges at [email protected].

$15.00