Ocean Virtual Artist Residency

Moku Art Studio and MANGO have partnered for the Ocean Virtual Artist Residency. This collaborative program empowers participating artists to embark on the journey of developing a new project aligned with the residency's thematic focus: OCEAN

Residency Expectations

Throughout the program, artists engage in the creation of an artistic project that resonates with the residency's theme, yielding tangible outcomes. Their projects delve into the multifaceted theme of OCEAN through diverse avenues, encompassing technical, conceptual, reflective, and experiential explorations.

Upon the culmination of the virtual residency, we host a Virtual Open Studio and Exhibition Inauguration. During this event, artists virtually unveil their workspaces, showcasing their creations and engaging with virtual visitors who may inquire about the art and the artist behind it.

Residency Format

There will be 5 virtual meetings among all the international participating artists under the guidance of a member of a Moku Art Studio and/or MANGO team.  These sessions are dedicated to the inception and refinement of your artist project. Each meeting will feature suggested prompts designed to foster introspection and illuminate connections between artists' projects. You can view OVAR 2024 here.

This format empowers artists to nurture their projects, present them, express concerns, and receive constructive feedback aimed at refining and enriching their concepts. You can find the detailed format and fees under our Terms and Conditions.

Required Application Information

Artists are required to compile the following information for their application:

  • Personal information like full name, nationality, current place of residence, languages spoken

  • Artistic discipline under which they are applying

  • Motivational letter

  • Explanatory text of the project to be developed during the residency (taking into account, in some aspect, whether technical, conceptual, reflective, or experiential, the theme or concept: OCEAN).

  • Brief artist biography

  • Up to 10 images, texts, audio, videos, etc. of your latest completed works or a link to your portfolio

  • Relevant links like website, Instagram, etc.

Please make sure to read the Terms and Conditions of the program:

Deadlines

The OceansVirtual Artist Residency is scheduled for March through April 2025. Applications remain open until March 9th and can be submitted via an online form. Following submission, a selection committee meticulously reviews each application and promptly notifies accepted artists of their admission into the program.

F.A.Q.

Who can apply to this program?

Visual artists of all nationalities who wish to use this program as their space for creation, reflection, and/or research. Please note that the language used in the meetings will be Spanish and/or English as appropriate (i.e., the artist must specify which language/s they speak).

On what dates will the Ocean VAR take place?

March-April 2025.

By when do I have time to submit my application for the Oceans VAR?

Until March 9th at 23:59 local time in your country.

Does the program have sponsorships?

Both Moku Art Studio and MANGO are independent and do not receive private or state assistance. Therefore, none of our programs are sponsored, although we provide acceptance letters to artists seeking support and wishing to present them to the relevant parties.

If you have any questions, you can get in touch with us at: mokuartstudio@gmail.com with the subject like Ocean VAR.

Artist Testimonials

  • I was initially drawn to the residency because of the enormous potential that cross-disciplinary collaborations between art and science can have in the field of ocean conservancy. In practice, I found the relationships between the participants transformative to my art practice. Frieda and Mercedes facilitated a comfortable, inclusive but creatively challenging environment that kept the group engaged in conversation and experimentation. I hope the program can continue to run for years to come so that we can all work in concert, each from our own perspective—and populate that world map of participants!

    Una Janicijevic

  • When searching for residency programs, I normally try to find opportunities that will advance my creative thinking and allow time to expand a focused body of work. Oftentimes the residency periods are solitary and reflective allowing for a deep dive into the self creative process balanced with pursuing elusive concepts while expanding artistic philosophy. Selected for the Ocean Residency 2024 presented a unique opportunity for creative self growth amplified by open interaction with other artist and Residency hosts. The format of the residency was remote, conducted through weekly free flowing Zoom meetings fitting my creative process and busy schedule. Although remote, I became very close, comfortable and connected to the residency group. The collective group creativity and unique conversational dialogue greatly influenced my process and resulting artwork. Well organized topics developed into effective visuals and inspirational progress. The group of selected artists were well curated each bringing new ideas and barrier breaking ideas to artistic life.

    Dodd Holsapple

  • The residency created a dynamic atmosphere of community. I had several aha-moments in my creative process that came from the conversations and sharing of information with both the residency organizers and the other artists. I love the way my work came together for the exhibition and also being a witness to how other’s work came together. We influenced and inspired one another in unexpected ways and our exhibition reflects that dynamic in a wonderful way.

    Kirsten Carlson

  • The Oceans Residency was a breath of fresh air! I met dynamic artists, I learned about ocean conservation, and I created award-winning art that has been on display in two galleries. Additionally, the Residency allowed me to be more informed as a conservationist, an artist, and a human. I am grateful for the friendships and the instruction that I established and received during my Fellowship. I look forward to continuing my sea-related studies!

    VanG. Garrett