Asia boasts a vibrant art scene, and many artist residencies in the region welcome African artists. These programs provide unique opportunities for cultural exchange, skill development, and networking. Let’s explore some of the top art residencies for African artists in Asia.
1. Red Gate Residency – Beijing, China
Location: Beijing, China
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Red Gate Residency offers a supportive environment for international artists, including African artists, to create and exhibit their work in the heart of Beijing. The residency provides studio space and accommodation for 1 to 3 months, allowing artists to immerse themselves in the local art scene and connect with other artists and curators.
2. Khoj International Artists’ Association – New Delhi, India
Location: New Delhi, India
Duration of Residency: Varies
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Khoj International Artists’ Association is a non-profit organization that supports international artists through various residency programs in New Delhi. Welcoming artists from diverse backgrounds, including African artists, Khoj provides studio space, accommodation, and a stipend. The program encourages cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration among artists from different parts of the world.
3. Tokyo Arts and Space – Tokyo, Japan
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Tokyo Arts and Space (TOKAS) is a platform for emerging artists from around the world, including Africa, to develop their practice in Japan’s capital city. The residency program offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. TOKAS also organizes events and workshops to promote residents’ work and foster interaction with the local art community.
4. Asia Culture Center – Gwangju, South Korea
Location: Gwangju, South Korea
Duration of Residency: Varies
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Asia Culture Center (ACC) in Gwangju, South Korea, provides international artists, including African artists, with a platform for cultural exchange and creative exploration. The residency program offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend, with durations varying depending on the project. ACC also hosts events and workshops to support residents’ artistic growth and public engagement.
5. Green Papaya Art Projects – Quezon City, Philippines
Location: Quezon City, Philippines
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Green Papaya Art Projects is an independent, artist-run initiative that supports international artists, including African artists, through residencies in Quezon City, Philippines. The residency lasts between 1 and 3 months, providing participants with studio space and accommodation. Green Papaya Art Projects encourages collaboration, experimentation, and dialogue among artists from different cultures and disciplines.
6. Rimbun Dahan – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Rimbun Dahan is a private arts center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, that offers residency programs for international artists, including African artists. The residency provides studio space and accommodation for 1 to 3 months, allowing artists to focus on their practice in a serene, natural setting. Rimbun Dahan also hosts exhibitions, workshops, and other events to promote the residents’ work and facilitate cultural exchange.
7. Theertha International Artists’ Collective – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Theertha International Artists’ Collective is a non-profit organization in Colombo, Sri Lanka, that supports international artists, including African artists, through residency programs. The residency offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. Theertha encourages cross-cultural dialogue, collaboration, and artistic exploration in a supportive environment.
8. TIFA Working Studios – Pune, India
Location: Pune, India
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
TIFA Working Studios is an interdisciplinary art and design studio in Pune, India, that offers residency programs for international artists, including African artists. The residency provides studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. TIFA Working Studios fosters an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and learning, promoting interaction with the local art community.
9. San Art – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Location: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
San Art is an independent, artist-run organization in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that supports international artists, including African artists, through residency programs. The residency offers studio space and accommodation for 1 to 3 months. San Art provides a platform for artists to engage with the local art scene, facilitating collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue.
10. Bamboo Curtain Studio – Taipei, Taiwan
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Bamboo Curtain Studio is an artist residency program in Taipei, Taiwan, that welcomes international artists, including African artists. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. Bamboo Curtain Studio encourages experimentation, collaboration, and dialogue among artists from different cultures and disciplines, providing a supportive environment for creative growth.
11. Chiang Mai Art Conversation – Chiang Mai, Thailand
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Chiang Mai Art Conversation (CAC) is an artist-run initiative that offers residency programs for international artists, including African artists, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The residency provides studio space and accommodation for 1 to 3 months, fostering an environment of cultural exchange, collaboration, and experimentation. CAC encourages artists to engage with the local art community, hosting events and workshops that promote dialogue and interaction.
12. Fukuoka Asian Art Museum – Fukuoka, Japan
Location: Fukuoka, Japan
Duration of Residency: Varies
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (FAAM) is dedicated to promoting contemporary art from Asia and offers residency programs for international artists, including African artists. The residency provides studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for varying durations. FAAM facilitates cultural exchange and collaboration, connecting artists with the local art scene and organizing events and exhibitions to showcase their work.
13. Singapore International Foundation – Singapore
Location: Singapore
Duration of Residency: Varies
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Singapore International Foundation (SIF) supports international artists, including African artists, through various residency programs in Singapore. The residency offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for varying durations, providing a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration among artists from different parts of the world. SIF also organizes events and workshops to promote residents’ work and foster interaction with the local art community.
14. Barakat Trust – Istanbul, Turkey
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Barakat Trust is a non-profit organization that supports international artists, including African artists, through residency programs in Istanbul, Turkey. The residency offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. The Barakat Trust encourages cross-cultural dialogue, artistic exploration, and collaboration in a supportive environment.
By participating in these artist residencies in Asia, African artists can expand their horizons, develop their skills, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. These programs not only provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth but also contribute to a more diverse and inclusive global art community.
15. Treasure Hill Artist Village – Taipei, Taiwan
Location: Taipei, Taiwan
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Treasure Hill Artist Village is an artist residency program in Taipei, Taiwan, that welcomes international artists, including African artists. The program offers studio space and accommodation for 1 to 3 months. Treasure Hill Artist Village fosters an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and dialogue among artists from different cultures and disciplines, providing a supportive platform for creative growth.
16. 1a space – Hong Kong, China
Location: Hong Kong, China
Duration of Residency: 1-2 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
1a space is an independent, non-profit contemporary art organization in Hong Kong, China, that offers residency programs for international artists, including African artists. The residency provides studio space and accommodation for 1 to 2 months, allowing artists to focus on their practice and engage with the local art community. 1a space encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural dialogue.
17. Jogja National Museum – Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Location: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Jogja National Museum (JNM) is a prominent art institution in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that supports international artists, including African artists, through residency programs. The residency offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. JNM fosters an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and learning, promoting interaction with the local art community.
18. Katara Art Center – Doha, Qatar
Location: Doha, Qatar
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Katara Art Center in Doha, Qatar, provides international artists, including African artists, with a platform for cultural exchange and creative exploration. The residency program offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. Katara Art Center also hosts events and workshops to support residents’ artistic growth and public engagement.
19.98B COLLABoratory – Manila, Philippines
Location: Manila, Philippines
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops and resources
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
98B COLLABoratory is an artist-run space in Manila, Philippines, offering residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops and resources for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. 98B COLLABoratory encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange among artists, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for artistic growth.
20. Isik University – Istanbul, Turkey
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Duration of Residency:1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Isik University in Istanbul, Turkey, supports international artists, including African artists, through its artist residency programs. The residency offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 3 months. Isik University encourages cross-cultural dialogue, artistic exploration, and collaboration in a supportive academic environment, allowing artists to connect with the local art scene and develop their practice.
These 20 residency programs in Asia offer African artists the opportunity to expand their horizons, develop their skills, and engage in meaningful cultural exchange. Participation in these residencies can lead to valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as contribute to a more diverse and inclusive global art community.
In concluding, participating in art residencies across Asia can be a transformative experience for African artists. By engaging with different cultures, traditions, and artistic practices, artists can gain valuable insights and inspiration for their work. These residency programs not only offer valuable resources and support for artistic growth, but also foster cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, helping to create a more inclusive and interconnected global art community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What advice do African artists need to apply for a residency in Asia?
- Research the residency programs: Understand the requirements, deadlines, and expectations of each residency program before applying.
- Prepare a strong portfolio: Showcase your best work and demonstrate your unique artistic voice.
- Tailor your application: Write a compelling artist statement and project proposal that aligns with the residency’s goals and objectives.
- Obtain recommendations: Reach out to mentors, teachers, or colleagues who can vouch for your artistic abilities and work ethic.
- Network: Connect with other artists, curators, and organizations in the Asian art scene to increase your chances of getting accepted.
Are artist residencies worth it?
Artist residencies can be a valuable opportunity for artistic growth, networking, and cultural exchange. They provide artists with the time, space, and resources to focus on their practice while engaging with other artists, art professionals, and the local art community.
Is it hard to get an artist residency?
The competition for artist residencies can be tough, especially for well-established programs. However, by preparing a strong application, showcasing a unique artistic voice, and networking, artists can increase their chances of being accepted into a residency program.
What is the open call for artist 2023?
Open calls for artist residencies vary by program and location. To find open calls for 2023, research individual residency programs and follow their websites, social media accounts, or mailing lists to stay informed about application deadlines and requirements.
Why are artists doing residencies?
Artists participate in residencies for various reasons, such as professional development, networking, cultural exchange, and access to new resources, materials, or techniques. Residencies provide a supportive environment for artists to experiment, learn, and grow while connecting with other artists and art professionals from around the world.
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Would lov to interact artistically with kindred spirits in the Art world