olonala art residency
olonala art residency
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Madagascar's First Environmentally-Focused Art Residency Program
Madagascar's First Environmentally-Focused Art Residency Program
Wander through any town in Madagascar and you will very quickly notice that artisanship, artwork, and creativity abound, often drawing on cultural and environmental themes. For many aspiring Malagasy artists, however, not having the time, financial means, or space and materials to practice their craft can often limit them in pursuing art as a viable career.
The oloNala Art Residency program aims to tackle just that - but with an emphasis on addressing Madagascar's most pressing environmental issues at the same time. With the help of a global network of artists, conservationists, and researchers, we prepare Malagasy artists interested in using their artwork for conservation to work alongside NGOs, research centers, and communities, as well as help them become self-sustaining and grow their artistry and confidence.
Follow along as we build the Residency!
Follow along as we build the Residency!
August 2025 - Building upwards!
August 2025 - Building upwards!
We did indeed meet our goal of getting the foundation prepared before the end of last year, and we're excited to share that the first floor of the Residency has now been completed! This floor will house studio and gallery space for artists in the residency, with doors and windows opening immediately to the garden and the views of the forest beyond.
October 2024 - Breaking Ground
October 2024 - Breaking Ground
With support from Sunshine Comes First, The Safina Center Launchpad Fellowship, and proceeds from the Studio oloNala Art Gallery & Shop, Rasolo and engineer Bien Aimee Randriamamonjy broke ground at the site of the Art Residency this past month! This is an exciting first step in setting up the infrastructure to host local artists for our annual residency program. Our goal is to complete the foundation before Madagascar's notorious rainy season hits the eastern coast in January!
Many thanks to Sunshine Comes First and The Safina Center for making this first step possible!
Our Goals
Our Goals
Artistic Exchange
Artistic Exchange
We aim to bring together Malagasy artists from diverse backgrounds to foster collaboration and share perspectives on environmental issues and solutions through art. Artists will be given the space to learn new skills, develop their artistic interests, broaden their understanding of the environment and its relation to art, and create new works that they might have otherwise not had the time, space, or materials to do.
Environmental Advocacy
Environmental Advocacy
Artists in the program will use their work to advocate for environmental conservation in Madagascar, amplifying local voices and promoting action at regional and global levels. By connecting these artists with researchers, conservationists, and NGOs, we aim to promote collaborations that advance our understanding of the natural world and inspire people to protect it.
Creating Opportunities
Creating Opportunities
At the end of the program, each artist will become part of our international network - connecting them with mentors within Madagascar and abroad to offer them support in securing further residencies, participating in workshops & exhibitions, finding unique career opportunities, and more. Our role will be to continue to provide them the support they need to grow their impact - whether that be travel funds, materials, or studio space.
About the Residency
About the Residency
The oloNala Art Residency will be based in the town of Ranomafana, in southeast Madagascar and on the periphery of Ranomafana National Park. The building was designed by oloNala co-founder Alain Rasolo and will incorporate locally-sourced brick and design elements emblematic of Malagasy culture, including a stained glass Ravenala, or traveler's palm, and window elements designed by Zafimaniry woodworkers. The building will include a large, light-filled workshop space on the ground floor and a shared dining and living space above.
Who will be eligible to apply?
Who will be eligible to apply?
Like many of the art residency programs we've listed on our Resources page, we don't want the lack of formal art education, age, or financial situation to be a barrier to exploring or pursuing a career as an artist. Applicants for the oloNala Art-Residency should be a Malagasy national, possess a desire to develop their artistic skills, a keen interest in learning about the environment, and eagerness to use their artwork to make meaningful change in their community!
How can I apply?
How can I apply?
We're still in the process of building out the art residency program, but you can check back here for updates. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at contact@olonala.org!
Want to get involved?
Want to get involved?
If you have any suggestions, are interested in donating art supplies/materials, or want to join our network, please reach out to us at contact@olonala.org.
Behind The Art Residency: Studio oloNala
Behind The Art Residency: Studio oloNala
Studio oloNala was created in 2020 by oloNala co-founder Alain Rasolo as a way to showcase his artwork internationally and within Madagascar, and now serves as inspiration for our art residency program! Since the creation of Studio oloNala, Rasolo has presented his artwork to the local community in Ranomafana, school groups, researchers, and audiences abroad.
With the support of The Safina Center, a non-profit based in Long Island, New York, Rasolo built an art studio and shop at the entrance to Ranomafana National Park. Its whimsical exterior has drawn numerous visitors from all around the world and the artwork inside continues to spark discussions about the wonder of Malagasy wildlife and the forests they call home.
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