Casa de Mono
Following the principles of our Foundation, an NGO whose activities are based on ecosophical knowledge, this Artist Residency Program is conceived as an interchange platform between the artists-in-residency projects and the different practices that take place in the Foundation’s house, the city and the region. Mainly, the kind of practices that establish relationships with the environment based on sensitivity towards the planet, the protection of life, human freedoms and respect for individual differences.
This program is aimed at both artists (in a wide sense: from visual to performing arts, from music to writing) and cultural managers or agents interested in putting forward artistic projects aligned with discourses of ecological and social sustainability and, in general terms, with the knowledge and practices related to the values and objectives encouraged by Casa de Mono.
Even though this Program is thought of as a self-directed artist residency, Casa de Mono team will guide the residents through their process of adaptation to the house and the city, as well as provide a favourable workspace.
The following activities are put forward: Introduction of the resident to the community of artists, cultural agents, curators and general public with similar interests, by means of an informal chat; open studio and/or artistic lab sessions oriented by the resident; and public display of the project results (either in the form of an exhibition or a conference). Likewise, the residents can bring forward alternative socialization strategies better adapted to the nature of their project.
Private bedrooms are equipped with a desk and can be used as a workspace depending on the needs of the resident. Other common spaces can be used if needed. If available, the resident can request a private workshop for an additional fee.
The artist residency takes place in Casa de Mono’s house, a two-story house, located in the 3 de Julio neighborhood, centrally located in the city of Cali. There is easy access to public transportation, marketplaces, and the most important public library in the city is just around the corner.
The second floor of the house hosts the Artist Residency Program. There are six spacious and bright rooms, two of them with private bathrooms. Each room is equipped with a fan, a closet and a desk. The common spaces consist of an open kitchen and dining room, a laundry space (a patio with a washing machine and a clothes rack), and different spaces where residents can hang out or work (two balconies and a terrace). The house counts with free Internet access.
Additionally, by request of the residents, it is possible to reserve a place or storage space in one of the house workshops, equipped with basic work tools.
Casa de Mono’s house is also a place for taking care, admiring, inspiring and sharing with animals. At the moment, there are six cats living in the house: Rebeca, El Mono, Pijama a Rayas, Nube, Gris y Zaranda.
Within the residency, Casa de Mono provides technical support, promotion, and artistic assistance. Workshop tools and basic equipment, residents may need to bring any specialised equipment or materials that they require.