Fundacion Mahanahaim Centro Rural

The residency program is aimed at artists, creators, explorers, who want to spend some time away from home and their routine to focus on inspiration, research and artistic production. The residence is set in a period between 2 and 8 weeks ideally and it takes place in Mahanaim Rural and Art Center (Mahnaim CRA), in Barichara.

The residency hwo main characteristics:

1. It is developed within the environment  connecting the resident with the rich local arts community. The artist in residence will have access to training in different techniques (painting, ceramics, sculpture, carving in stone or wood, land and mix techniques on canvas, artistic fabric, etc.), exchange of experiences as well as new projects and initiatives through this platform that brings together artists, international organizations and initiatives which link art and rural.

2. In line with their mission, they prioritize artistic proposals that take into account issues related to rural areas, for which the resident has access to groups, organizations or local experiences that provide appropriate information to strengthen their proposal. The following topics are suggested:

• Life in the contryside (use of natural resources, traditions, legends, challenges and needs)
• The work of the land (agricultural practices, food industry, impact and challenges)
• The man in the landscape (interventions, alterations, fauna and flora of the region)
• Rural Exodus and new-ruralism

The participant may, however, focus on any subject or project of his / her choice.

The residency program provides the participant:

• Accommodation with breakfast.
• Spaces for the development of his artistic work.
• Participation in the annual exhibition.
• Opportunity to support “Campoabierto workshops” program and other artistic activities offered to the surrounding rural community
• In partnership with local organizations and depending on the dates of residence, you can participate in cultural activities, exhibitions, festivals, seminars, etc., that are part of the cultural agenda of the municipality.
• Connection and discounts to Quinquigua artist-in residency program in San Vicente (Ecuador), through partner organizations.

They expect the artist to:

• Stay of minimum 2 and maximum of 8 weeks
• Involvement with local community of artists, rural dwellers, social and cultural organizations through visits, participation in lectures, speeches or informal talks to nurture their creative process and ensure a contribution to the community.
• Conduct a closing - residency activity directed (conference, workshop, documentary, exhibition, etc.) regarding its experience in Barichara and within the community.
• Participation in the annual exhibition with a piece of the artwork developed during residency, which can be donated to the Mahanaim Rural Center Foundation to be part of their permanent exhibition or returned to the artist (transportation costs by the artist).

• Four single/double rooms
• One shared room (up to 6 people)
• One shared room (up to 4 people)

Within the house the studios are adapted to activities such as painting, drawing, clay sculpture and writing.

• They offer 4 interior studios to be shared by two artists during full occupancy.
• They offer 2 open studios outside the house which can be shared by all artists. They are surrounded by nature and beautiful views.

Studios available in the town

• They have alliances with local artist to provide training in subjects such as ceramic modeling, bronze sculpture, stone and wood carving, artistic fabric, among others.

• For painting: Easel (one per artist)
• For writing: Writing room well equiped (computers are not available)
• For clay sculpture: connection to clay providers

Artists are adviced to bring their own personal tools. In case the resident wishes to receive training from a local artist, all technical facilities will be provided as well as information on where to acquire specific materials needed.

Barichara (Santander).