Ne'na Contemporary Art Space
Ne'-Na Contemporary Art Space is a non-profit artist-in-residence program that was founded in Chiang Mai, Thailand in 1998 by a group of Swedish and Thai artists led by artist/curator Shukit Panmongkol. The residency program offers artists an opportunity to execute site specific projects which engage with and utilize the local culture of Northern Thailand. The residency offers the artist the opportunity to develop their practice by implementing contemporary concepts and approaches in a new and culturally specific context.
Since 2009, Ne'-Na Contemporary Art Space has reorganized its program and facilities by establishing a permanent collaboration with Monfai Lanna Cultural Center. Monfai is an open-air living museum which preserves the traditions and culture of the Lanna people. At Monfai, artists can engage with the traditional culture of Northern Thailand as well as the network of artists, performers, artisans and craftspeople in Chiang Mai who are involved in the activities of the cultural center. Ne'-Na Contemporary Art Space has recently expanded the activities to our annexe site on the hillside area in Mae Rim district (ev.20 km. from city downtown of Chiang Mai.)
At Monfai: The open plan 'messy' studio with artificial light that is particularly good for light 3 dimensional projects. Also the in-house open area as well the outdoor working area can be used as studios if need and when available.
Annexe site: There is a working area at 200sqm, in the main studio building. It can be devise in to several small studios if required. There are also the open plan studios attached to the single bamboo houses. Their garden can be well suite for the outdoor installation or work with large scale sculpture. There's also the in-house open areas for many artistic activities(please see more details information in www.nena-artspace.com).
The Monfai accommodation contains an open plan 'messy' studio. There is a shared kitchen with full cooking facilities, four private ensuite bedrooms, internet, TV, furniture and a washing machine.
Artists staying at annexe site in Mae Rim can live comfortably in 6 ensuite Lanna style bedrooms. Six other bedrooms are located in two small bamboo houses with shared bathrooms, kitchens and small verandahs for living and dining. Both small houses are located beside the main studio building (200sqm.of working area) and are surrounded by fish ponds and rambling gardens. Furthermore, three traditional Karen (hill tribe) style bamboo houses have recently been built. Each of these houses are suitable for a couple or small family, they all have self-contained studios on the ground floor below the living area.
Please have a look at Ne'Na website to know about their technical facilities.
Monfai Cultural Centre is located in Chiang Mai city, two kilometres from the historic old town. It was established in 1982 by Rampad Kothkaew to conserve and preserve the vanishing remnants of traditional Lanna arts and crafts, architecture and lifestyle. Rampad is a pioneer in the revival of Lanna customs and art in Chiang Mai, and Monfai is the heart of her efforts. The centre is both a living museum and venue for traditional Lanna weddings, traditional food markets, dance and music concerts and workshops. Access to photocopiers, fax machines, computers and printers are also available at Monfai's office.
Considering Monfai's proximity to downtown Chiang Mai, it is incredibly tranquil with its leafy grounds and quiet location. The museum is full of handmade Lanna artifacts, and the passionate museum staff are more than happy to share their knowledge.
The annexe site is located in Mae Rim, an agricultural area just a half-hour drive from downtown Chiang Mai and close to the village of Mae Rim which has many tourist attractions, shops and cafe's, this can be easily reached by bike or the onsite motorbike. The spacious, open plan building contains many potential studios, expansive gardens and lawns, and a huge natural and artificially lit outdoor covered workshop perfect for large constructions and performances. A large elegant natural and artificially lit gallery is available for exhibitions and screenings, and when available it can be used as studio space.