Mental Canvas Artist Residency

At Mental Canvas, we work to elevate drawing and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. This summer, as we build the next generation of our authoring app and interactive player, we’re looking for artists to create exciting interactive experiences with our new tech. In our pilot Artist Residency program, you'll get to test our latest tools and receive a stipend to support your work on original Mental Canvas scenes.

As a resident artist, you’ll get:

An Early Preview of Our New Tech: Be the first to try out our latest authoring app and web player. Collaborate with our engineering team to provide feedback on our next-gen features and help shape the future of Mental Canvas.
Creative Freedom & Inspiration: We'll collaborate with each artist to define projects tailored to their interests and strengths. While we’ll provide guidance and creative prompts, you’ll have the freedom to work in your own style and the technical support to explore ambitious ideas.
Feedback and Growth: Get constructive feedback from fellow residents and Mental Canvas team members to refine your skills and push your artistic boundaries.
Stipend & Showcase Opportunities: Receive a $1500 stipend and have your work featured on our social media, website and promotional materials. Residents will present their projects in a virtual showcase at the end of the program.

Who we’re looking for:

This residency is intended for artists who are proficient with Mental Canvas Draw and have experience creating complex scenes.

We're open to creatives from any background and welcome participants from around the world. We’re looking for a diverse range of mediums and styles, from traditional and digital art to photography, 3D and VR. While the main tool you’ll use throughout the residency will be the Mental Canvas authoring suite, you’ll be welcome to augment it with drawings, images & audio created in any other software.

Residency Structure:

The Mental Canvas Artist Residency is designed to maximize creative exploration and collaboration. In the first week of July, we’ll kick off with an onboarding session to get residents familiar with our new tools. During the first month, we'll work with each artist to define a set of projects and objectives tailored to their interests and strengths. Throughout the program, residents will check in weekly with our team to give feedback on app features and share their progress. At the end of the program, we’ll present the residency projects in a virtual showcase.

Compensation & Expectations:

Residents will receive a stipend of $1500 USD, along with access to the full Mental Canvas drawing and publishing suite for the duration of the program.

We expect residents to dedicate approximately 5-10 hours per week to the program. This includes attending virtual meetings, participating in collaborative projects, and developing interactive scenes using our tools. Residents are also encouraged to document their creative process – we’ll share their progress with the Mental Canvas community.

Timeline:

Application Period: June 6 - June 23, 2024
Residency Duration: July 1 - September 20, 2024

FAQs

How do I apply?

To apply, submit the application form by June 23, 2024, 23:59 EST. We ask for links to 2-3 scenes you’ve made with Mental Canvas, and a brief statement of intent.

Where is the residency located?

The Mental Canvas Artist Residency is a fully remote program. Participants can work from anywhere in the world, as long as they have an internet connection and can attend online check-in meetings.

Who should apply?

We’re looking for artists from a variety of creative backgrounds and styles, including traditional and digital art, photography, 3D and VR. We welcome both personal and commercial work. Applicants should be proficient with Mental Canvas Draw and have experience creating complex scenes.

Why a residency?

We chose to structure this program as a residency rather than a contest or a one-time commission since we believe that by dedicating a longer period to exploration and experimentation, artists can better engage with our new tools and develop their craft. The residency model allows for continuous feedback and mentorship which we hope will benefit both the artists and the evolution of our technology.

Is the residency paid?

Yes! Residents will receive a stipend of $1500 USD for the duration of the program, along with access to the full Mental Canvas drawing and publishing suite.

Do I need to be a paying user of Mental Canvas Draw?

No, you do not need to be a paying user. Residents will receive access to the full Mental Canvas drawing and publishing suite for the duration of the program.

What types of scenes are you looking for?

In the residency application, we ask you to send a couple of your best scenes you’ve made with Mental Canvas. We’re open to a wide range of styles and themes, from intricate landscapes to narrative-driven pieces or experimental compositions. We’d love to see scenes that show off your knowledge of advanced app features, such as hinge projection, visibility, etc. Both personal and commercial projects are welcome. If you’ve published interactive scenes using our web player, we’d love to see those as well!

For inspiration, here are some examples of scenes we love:
- NFL Recap by Greg Edwards
- The Mental Canvas Theatre by Rafa Alvarez
- Wedding Registry Boutique by Andre Wojaczek
- La La Land by 帆DanDan (featured at the top of this page!)

What kind of device do I need?

All residents must have an iPad capable of running Mental Canvas Draw to fully engage with the program. Due to the nature of our development process, we sadly won’t be able to support users on the Windows version of Mental Canvas Draw. If this presents a burden to you, you’re welcome to provide context in the application, so we can consider possible accommodations.

Are students allowed to participate?

Yes, students are encouraged to apply, as long as they are over 18 years old and meet the time commitment requirements.

What if I have more questions?

If you have additional questions, please reach out to us via email at residency@mentalcanvas.com.

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