Thami Mnyele Foundation
Established in 1990, the Thami Mnyele Foundation runs a unique three month artists-in-residence program in Amsterdam. The main objective of the Foundation is to advance cultural exchange between artists from Africa, the Netherlands and Amsterdam in particular. To this aim, the Foundation engages artists from African continent and diaspora of all disciplines of contemporary visual art (painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, video, film, audio and multi media) to work for three months in the Thami Mnyele Foundation studio, located in an old school building in the centre of Amsterdam. The Thami Mnyele Foundation Residency Award is therefore an ideal opportunity for concentration on work, reflection, research and discussion. The artist in residence receives a grant for living expenses and a budget for material and the travelling expenses to and from the Netherlands. In order to promote this cultural exchange, the Thami Mnyele Foundation mediates in meetings with artists and people associated with the Dutch art world. The selection of participants is done on a regular basis by an independent selection committee of experts, which is appointed by the Board of the Foundation. There are two residency programs the Full Residency Program and the Short Residency Program.
Full Residency Program
Full residencies are awarded competitively to artists from the whole of African continent and diaspora. The Thami Mnyele Foundation offers several Full Residency Program awards per year. Those selected are offered accommodation and studio space for a three month period. Artists who are selected for the Full Residency Program also receive:
- free housing
- free studio
- a reimbursment of return travel to Amsterdam
- cost of medical test for Covid-19
- a monthly allowance which covers the costs for living and materials (currently amounting to 900 euro per month)
- medical and legal liability insurance for the period of stay
- free internet
- free museum card
- free use of two bicycles
- assistance in applying for visa
- an introduction to the Dutch art world and access to the Foundation’s extensive network.
Short Residency Program
Short Residency Programs are awarded to artists from the whole of African continent and diaspora, who have been invited to participate in cultural projects in the Netherlands and are in need of accommodation in Amsterdam for a short period. The Short Residency Program offers artists free studio and housing for a set period of time. The Short Residency Program does not include an allowance for living and material costs, medical and legal liability insurance and traveling expenses, nor does the Foundation assist in visa application.
The Thami Mnyele Foundation manages a studio annex living space located on the second floor of a nineteenth century school building. Situated in Amsterdam Oud-West, a lively and bustling area in Amsterdam, the studio contains a spacious work space and a separate living area, including a kitchenette, bedroom and bathroom. The studio is equipped with central heating, kitchen utilities, two Apple computers, bedding and sheets. The artist can make use of a bicycle and a mobile telephone during his or her stay.