SOMA opens its program to artists, critics and curators interested in participating in self-directed residencies in Mexico City. This open call offers up to 8 individual residencies every year. The length of each residency will be determined by the particular interests of each applicant, with a minimum stay of 1 week and a maximum of 1 month.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

SECOND PERIOD 2011: August 15 – December 15, 2011

Applications received: May 30 –  July 30, 2011

Notification to selected residents: August  5, 2011

FIRST PERIOD 2012: January 15 – June 15, 2012

Applications received: August 1 – September 30, 2011

Notification to selected residents: October 15, 2011

SECOND PERIOD 2012: August 15 – December 15, 2012

Applications received: February – March 30, 2012

Notification to selected residents: April 15, 2012

Applicants should clearly indicate in their documentation their preferred length of stay and residency dates. SOMA reserves the right to present a counterproposal regarding alternate dates for scheduling purposes.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Each applicant must submit the following documents as attachments to residencias.soma@gmail.com under “Request for Residence 2011 or 2012” in the subject line:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

- Curriculum Vitae.  Maximum 3 pages (.doc or .pdf format)

- Letter of Intent, briefly detailing motivation for participation in the program and desired dates. Maximum 600 words (.doc or .pdf format)

- Artists and curators must present a portfolio of selected works. Maximum 10 images with technical specifications and a brief description of each project, if necessary (.pdf format)

- Curators and critics must present a selection of a maximum of 5 texts assembled in one document (.pdf format).

OPTIONAL DOCUMENTATION

- A maximum of 3 links to online resources: personal web site or video content such as YouTube or Vimeo (include in body of e-mail).

- A maximum of 3 reviews of exhibitions, articles or critical texts, assembled in one document (.pdf format).

The required documentation will only be received on the indicated dates. No extensions will be granted under any circumstances.

ELIGIBILITY

There are no restrictions of nationality or age.

Applicants may be at any stage of their career.

The development of specific projects is not required during the residency. SOMA reserves the right to invite selected artists to participate in its general program for activities such as talks, one-on-one critiques, classes or open studios. This possibility will be discussed in a case-by-case basis and will only take place if both parties reach an agreement.

Due to space limitations, applications from groups or collectives will not be accepted.

GENERAL RESIDENCY ASPECTS

SOMA offers individual living space with private bathroom, shared kitchen, shared studio, wireless internet 24/7 and access to all other SOMA facilities. SOMA offers no production workshops of any kind but, if necessary, SOMA can assist in finding available options to satisfy specific project needs and/or other desired resident activities.

The resident is welcome to travel with their partner and/or family. Due to space limitations, the selected applicants must notify if they wish to make use of this option when confirming their participation.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

As an independent artist-run initiative, SOMA cannot absorb the full cost of the residency. However, SOMA offers a 50% grant to selected residents. The following preferential rates are offered  to those admitted into the program:

1-7 DAYS                                  250 usd

8-15 DAYS                                400 usd

16-22 DAYS                              550 usd

23-30 DAYS                              700 usd

Payment of 100% must be covered upon arrival.

This fee covers only the applicant’s stay at our premises. Each resident will be financially responsible for transportation costs to and from Mexico City as well as for living expenses, local transportation, production costs and any additional materials.

Taking into account that the residency costs already contemplates a 50% grant, SOMA cannot offer any additional discounts on the rates offered in this open call.

If necessary, SOMA can extend invitation letters to assist selected residents to apply for additional funding.

OTHER ASPECTS TO CONSIDER

All selected residents will be responsible for their own entry visas and additional immigration procedures.

Residents are responsible for their own full-coverage health insurance while in residency at our facilities. SOMA is not responsible for any kind of medical expense the residents may incur in during their stay.

SOMA reserves the right to resolve any unforeseeable situations that may arise during the length of the resident’s stay in the manner it deems fit in order to ensure optimum performance of the program and/or space.

Any questions, clarifications and requests for additional information will be resolved exclusively via email at: residencias.soma@gmail.com