a nomadic residency in mongolia

PROGRAM DETAILS

Getting around Ulaanbaatar city

Participants will spend one week in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, staying in centrally located shared apartments. Ulaanbaatar is the political, economic, and social center of the country and is known for being a nomadic capital. The city has changed locations 28 times before permanently settling in its current spot in 1778. It features a blend of Soviet-style buildings, Western-style houses, and a large suburban area with self-built homes and traditional nomadic felt tents. This energetic city of nearly two million people is home to almost half of Mongolia’s population. Since the collapse of the socialist system in 1990, the city has tripled in size. However, challenges like migration, traffic congestion, air pollution, and corruption have become major issues in this rapidly expanding urban environment.

The program will provide specific guidance for getting around a city.

Navigating the vibrant art scene of Ulaanbaatar

Despite its relatively short history, the Mongolian contemporary art scene has made remarkable progress over the past 25 years, evolving into a vibrant and diverse one deeply influenced by traditional cultures and beliefs. Until the early 2010s, Mongolian contemporary art was underrepresented both internationally and domestically. Organizations such as the Blue Sun Contemporary Art Center, the Arts Council of Mongolia, and the Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Association (MCASA) have played crucial roles in shaping the contemporary art landscape and introducing it to a broader audience. Since 2012, MCASA, which serves as an umbrella organization for the Red Corner Residency, has implemented groundbreaking projects to bring Mongolian artists onto the international stage through collaborations with renowned exhibitions like the Venice Art Biennale, Documenta, and the Asia Pacific Triennial, among others.

The program will organize visits to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios to familiarize participants with contemporary art practices in Mongolia.

Trip to Ikh Gazriin Chuluu, a majestic granite formation in the Gobi Desert

Ikh Gazriin Chuluu is one of Mongolia’s most captivating natural wonders, situated 267 km from Ulaanbaatar. This serene and majestic landscape, located in the Dundgovi province, features ancient rock formations that rise quietly from the desert floor. The formations stretch approximately 20 kilometers from west to east and reach a peak height of 1,706 meters.

Participants can explore myriad rock hills and caves, wandering through hidden chambers carved over centuries. This is a perfect place to immerse yourself in a refreshing, expansive, and captivating environment, where participants can discover new ideas for their artistic practices and gather materials such as images and sounds.

The program includes a 3-day trip to Ikh Gazriin Chuluu. Participants will stay in a nomadic tent (Ger) for three nights, provided by a local camp. A Ger (often called a yurt) is a traditional Mongolian dwelling with a cone-shaped roof, covered in felt with a canvas exterior, and has been used for thousands of years as a family home by nomads. Each ger has 3–4 beds, so participants should expect to share the space. The camp provides toilets and showers.

While staying at Ikh Gazriin Chuluu, participants can seize the opportunity to visit local nomadic families and experience their rich culture and way of life firsthand.

Delving into the Lives of a Nomadic Family

To understand the true spirit of the Mongolian people, the best way is to visit a nomadic family. Over thousands of years, nomads have passed down their wisdom of worshipping, adapting to, and living in harmony with nature. Their lifestyle is self-sufficient and deeply connected to the land, the cycles of nature, and their animals. Nomads move with their portable, mobile dwellings, called gers, in search of better pastures and water for their animals from place to place all year long.

The program will organize a three-day camping stay with a nomadic family, offering a great opportunity to experience this unique way of life and enjoy the local food and drinks in natural settings. Mongolian nomads are generally known for their friendliness and hospitality. However, understanding their customs, social norms, and lifestyles is essential for appreciating the nuances of their daily lives. With the hosts’ permission, artists may interview family members and collect sounds and images while staying with them. Nomads might also invite guests to help with chores, such as milking cows, shearing goats, and preparing meals. For those interested in horseback riding, the family can also provide this experience.

Participants will sleep in small camping tents, and essentials such as sleeping bags, mattresses, a lamp, and other necessary items will be provided. A portable camping toilet and shower will also be available.

Other activities

The program will begin with an introductory meeting for all participants, where artists will present their practices. During trips to the countryside, participants are encouraged to organize performances, create land art or installations, and invite others to engage with their work. They can also share their discoveries, inspirations, and ideas to foster collaboration, networking, and the exchange of experiences and knowledge through process-oriented activities. These events will be informal, and some local artists may join in.