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Al Ma'mal Foundation for Contemporary Art
Al Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art (Al Ma’mal), is a non-profit organization based in a former tile factory inside the Old City of Jerusalem. Since its inception in 1998, Al Ma’mal has been a cultural hub for contemporary art, cultural vibrancy & learning, through providing a diverse program of exhibitions, live music, public lectures and workshops. Focusing on the local community, the city’s visitors, local and international artists as target audience, the foundation aims to build cultural and learning bridges between Jerusalem and the world, promoting its culture and artistic life, and highlighting its presence as a complex, culturally rich, ageless city.
Al Ma’mal Residency program provides artists, creatives, and researchers the opportunity to develop or work on an existing project in its historical premises in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. Al Ma’mal firmly believes that a healthy productive society must nurture the creative forces within it and provide its members with opportunities to participate in and be exposed to diverse forms of cultural knowledge, critical thinking and artistic expression, Al Ma’mal Residency program encourages the creative freedom of its guests, is non-thematic and is open to all areas of knowledge,
Nonetheless, the residency program has a focus on visual arts and residency applicants are encouraged to take into consideration the socio-political environment in Jerusalem. Al Ma’mal seeks to root itself within the local community and encourage cultural and social development in the area. Through this residency program, the foundation aims to promote Jerusalem’s cultural and artistic scene, create an impact on it, and build bridges for learning and understanding between the city and the world. Therefore, artists-in-residence are encouraged to work directly with the community and are invited to take part in Al Ma’mal’s public program.
From the residents, it is expected;
• To dedicate the allocated residency period to research and/or the development of an existing or new art/research project.
• To meet on a weekly basis with Al Ma’mal’s team to follow up with work and provide feedback.
• Cooperate with Al Ma’mal’s team in hosting 1-2 public events with the resident artist.
Al Ma’mal offers its residents the opportunity to develop a new or existing project along with the prospect for a future exhibition, publication, lectures & workshops.
The residency is comprised of a studio apartment that is fully furnished and equipped with kitchenette, toilette, working and living space. The resident will have a private working space inside of the studio apartment.
The resident will live in an all-inclusive studio apartment, fully furnished and equipped with a kitchenet, toilet, working, living & sleeping spaces in the foundation’s historical building.
With a total space of 350m², Al Ma’mal includes the artist's studio, two spacious gallery halls, a library, a multipurpose performance / exhibition / lecture hall, in addition to its green roof, a relaxing space, with a stage for music performance and events.
One resident at a time. Duo's are welcome. Families or partners cannot be accomodated.
The residency is equipped with a private computer for the resident. Al Ma’mal can also provide technical equipment like speakers & video projectors. The resident will also have access to Al Ma’mal’s library & publications. In case the resident needs material for production of artworks, Al Ma’mal provide a contribution towards production costs.
Residency location: Al Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art, Old City of Jerusalem. Al Ma’mal is considered a distinctive cultural center, in the heart of the old city of Jerusalem. Located two minutes away from New Gate, Al Ma’mal is based in a historical building, a former tile factory, that sits amidst the historical, cultural and religious monuments of this unique old city. The city of Jerusalem is multilayered and complex, and is often caught in the middle of contested historical narratives. What makes it even more rich, is the variety of cultures and ethnicities it houses and the entangled geographical context in which it exists.