Two-year academic program

Founded in 2009 by a group of artists in Mexico City, SOMA is a non-profit civil association conceived to nurture discussion and exchange of ideas in the field of contemporary art and education. Responding to local needs, SOMA offers a two-year Academic Program conducted in Spanish, aimed towards artists interested in discussing, reflecting, and rethinking about their artistic practice. We seek to stimulate dialogue among artists of different nationalities and generations, as well as specialists from different disciplines, through courses, workshops, critiques, and public events.

SOMA’s Academic Program offers an intensive education, centered on individual and critical discussion. It is structured to respond to the dynamism and evolution of participants’ interests and practices, as well as those of the instructors and guests of the program, making it an alternative to the official post-graduate academic models offered in México City.

Participant’s profile:
–A bachelor’s degree is not essential to apply; however, a portfolio that shows a body of work should be presented.
–SOMA seeks artists committed to their practice, interested in being part of a cross-learning community.
–Participants must be willing to collectivize knowledge and to be part of a learning community.
–Openness to criticism and self-criticism is required, as well as interest in reading, discussion, and dialogue.

Operational functioning of the program
SOMA’s Academic Program has a duration of two years and is divided into six quarters.
Our activities are divided into various lines of work:
–Education: seminars, workshops, and courses
–Production: editorial projects, final project, and project rooms
–Individual backing: tutoring for two years, quarterly mentoring, and critical sessions
–Public program: Miércoles de SOMA

As part of SOMA’s philosophy, accepted artists obtain a scholarship of 80% of its real cost; however, Mexican residents that consider necessary to require larger economical support may request a 90% scholarship. To maintain the program’s scholarship, it is required minimum attendance of 80% of the activities. SOMA’s scholarship does not provide residence nor stipends for the participants. SOMA can provide letters to request support.

SOMA, as an institution, promotes cultural and ideological diversity, and gender equality, which is why this call is for any candidate interested in our program. Through a selection committee, which alternates annually, SOMA guarantees a selection process based on equal terms for all applicants.

To apply, please use the online platform to answer the questionnaire and attach the following information:
–90% spoken and written proficiency of the Spanish language
–Portfolio (20 images max. PDF format)
–Short biography (1410 characters max.)
–Official ID
–Recommendation letter and one additional reference

Apply online. More info. Results will be announced on May on our website. SOMA’s Academic Program begins on September 7, 2020.