About

Ne’-Na was founded in 1998 by a group of Thai and Swedish artists led by artist/curator Shukit Panmongkol. Since its inception, Ne’-Na has hosted and supported artists from all over the world.

The program is divided between two sites: Monfai Cultural Centre in Chiang Mai city, and the annex site, just outside the city in Mae Rim. The buildings of both sites are reconstructions of traditional Lanna style architecture. Residence are welcome to attend such events and learn traditional activities, such as making flower garlands, cooking, dancing, working with bamboo, among many other things.
The authenticity and beauty of the Monfai building has attracted many film-makers and television productions, making it a popular film location. In 2009, Ne-Na established a permanent collaboration with Monfai cultural centre, and it became the main venue for the artist residency. The Monfai accommodation contains an open plan ‘messy’ studio with artificial light that is particularly good for light 3 dimensional projects. There is a shared kitchen with full cooking facilities, five private ensuite bedrooms, internet, furniture and a washing machine.

 

At both Monfai and Mae Rim, artists can engage with the network of local artists, performers, artisans and craftspeople of Chiang Mai.

We are happy to introduce AIR participants to local professional studios and local artists, AIR artists are welcome to commission projects or aspects of their projects if they wish.

When available, on-site assistants are happy to give visiting artists practical help in executing large scale projects with their traditional craft and cultural knowledge. Both sites are organic in the respect that they both contain many potential working spaces and exhibiting spaces both indoors and outdoors, these spaces are suitable for a wide range of disciplines. Artists, architects, dancers, musicians, writers, poets, researchers and filmmakers will all find practical and inspiring studio space, at both Monfai and Mae Rim, however, please note that Mae Rim is the most suitable location for studio-based artists.

We provide free transportation including a round trip per day between the main residency at Monfai, and the annex site in Mae Rim. Depending upon availability of rooms and working space, artists are welcome to stay in either location or to work between the two. Artists are welcome to borrow basic tools, but are asked to be responsible for most of their own tools and materials.