South America, a continent rich in culture, history, and artistic traditions, offers an incredible opportunity for African artists seeking to expand their creative horizons. Numerous artist residency programs across South America provide unique experiences that foster artistic growth, promote cultural exchange, and facilitate collaboration between artists from different backgrounds. In this article, we explore some of the top art residencies for African artists in South America, highlighting the diverse range of programs that support and nurture the creative potential of artists from the African continent.
1. FLORA ars+natura – Bogotá, Colombia
Location: Bogotá, Colombia
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
FLORA ars+natura is an independent space focused on contemporary art and nature, welcoming African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. FLORA encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange among artists, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment.
2. Sacatar Foundation – Itaparica, Brazil
Location: Itaparica, Brazil
Duration of Residency: 2 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, meals, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Sacatar Foundation offers a residency program for African artists and artists from around the world on the island of Itaparica, Brazil. The program provides studio space, accommodation, meals, and a stipend for the 2-month residency. Sacatar fosters an environment of creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange, encouraging artists to engage with the local community and the natural environment.
3. Residencia en la Tierra – Colombia
Location: Various locations in Colombia
Duration of Residency: 3-4 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and meals
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Residencia en la Tierra is a nomadic artist residency program that takes place in various locations throughout Colombia. The program welcomes African artists and artists from around the world, offering studio space, accommodation, and meals for residencies lasting 3 to 4 weeks. Residencia en la Tierra encourages collaboration, experimentation, and engagement with the local culture and environment.
4. Casa Tres Patios – Medellín, Colombia
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Casa Tres Patios is an arts center and residency program located in Medellín, Colombia, welcoming African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space and accommodation for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. Casa Tres Patios fosters an environment of collaboration and experimentation, allowing artists to engage with the local art community and explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
5. La Ira de Dios – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
La Ira de Dios is an artist-run space in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that offers residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. La Ira de Dios encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange among artists, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment for artistic growth.
6. Red Gate Residency – Lima, Peru
Location: Lima, Peru
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space and accommodation
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Red Gate Residency is an international artist residency program located in Lima, Peru, welcoming African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space and accommodation for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. Red Gate Residency fosters an environment of creativity and collaboration, allowing artists to engage with the local art community and explore the city’s rich cultural scene.
7. SÍM Residency – Santiago, Chile
Location: Santiago, Chile
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
SÍM Residency is a multidisciplinary arts center located in Santiago, Chile, that offers residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. SÍM Residency encourages collaboration, experimentation, and engagement with the local art community and cultural scene.
8. Proyecto ‘ace – Buenos Aires, Argentina
Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Duration of Residency: 4-6 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Proyecto ‘ace is an international artist residency program located in Buenos Aires, Argentina, that welcomes African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops for residencies lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Proyecto ‘ace fosters an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange, allowing artists to engage with the local art community and explore the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
9. Pivô Art Residency – São Paulo, Brazil
Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Pivô Art Residency is a multidisciplinary arts center located in São Paulo, Brazil, that offers residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. Pivô Art Residency encourages collaboration, experimentation, and engagement with the local art community and cultural scene.
10. CRAC Residency – Valparaíso, Chile
Location: Valparaíso, Chile
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
CRAC Residency is an international artist residency program located in Valparaíso, Chile, welcoming African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and access to workshops for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. CRAC Residency fosters an environment of creativity, collaboration, and cross-cultural exchange, allowing artists to engage with the local art community and explore the city’s unique cultural scene.
11. Fundación de Arte Contemporáneo (FAC) – Montevideo, Uruguay
Location: Montevideo, Uruguay
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Fundación de Arte Contemporáneo (FAC) in Montevideo, Uruguay, offers residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. FAC provides studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. The foundation supports artistic development, cultural exchange, and collaboration among artists.
12. La Wayaka Current – Multiple Locations, Chile
Location: Atacama Desert and Tierra del Fuego, Chile
Duration of Residency: 3 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, meals, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
La Wayaka Current offers artist residency programs in two remote locations in Chile: the Atacama Desert and Tierra del Fuego. African artists and artists from around the world can participate in these 3-week programs, which provide studio space, accommodation, meals, and access to facilities. La Wayaka Current focuses on exploring and connecting with the natural environment, indigenous culture, and contemporary art practices.
13. Tembe Art Studio – Moengo, Suriname
Location: Moengo, Suriname
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Tembe Art Studio, located in Moengo, Suriname, is an artist residency program that welcomes African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. Tembe Art Studio encourages artistic development, cultural exchange, and collaboration among artists, while engaging with the local community.
14. DiabloRosso Residency – Panama City, Panama
Location: Panama City, Panama
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
DiabloRosso Residency, located in Panama City, Panama, offers residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities for residencies lasting 1 to 3 months. DiabloRosso Residency supports artistic development, cultural exchange, and collaboration among artists, with a focus on contemporary art practices.
15. Instituto Buena Bista (IBB) – Curaçao
Location: Willemstad, Curaçao
Duration of Residency: 2 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Instituto Buena Bista (IBB) in Willemstad, Curaçao, is an artist residency program that invites African artists and artists from around the world to participate. The program offers a 2-month residency, providing studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities. IBB focuses on fostering artistic development, cultural exchange, and collaboration among artists, while engaging with the local community and supporting contemporary art practices.
16. Residencia Artística por Intercambio (RAI) – Havana, Cuba
Location: Havana, Cuba
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Residencia Artística por Intercambio (RAI) is an artist residency program located in Havana, Cuba, that welcomes African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers residencies lasting 1 to 3 months, providing studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities. RAI supports artistic development, cultural exchange, and collaboration among artists, with a focus on contemporary art practices and engagement with the local community.
17. Residencia en la Tierra – Mérida, Venezuela
Location: Mérida, Venezuela
Duration of Residency: 1-3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Residencia en la Tierra is an artist residency program located in Mérida, Venezuela, that hosts African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers residencies lasting 1 to 3 months, providing studio space, accommodation, and access to facilities. Residencia en la Tierra focuses on fostering artistic development, cultural exchange, and collaboration among artists while connecting with the local community and natural environment.
These artist residencies in South America offer unique opportunities for African artists to explore new creative horizons, engage with diverse artistic communities, and develop their practice in stimulating and supportive environments.
In summary, South America boasts a vibrant and diverse selection of artist residency programs that cater to the needs and aspirations of African artists. These residencies offer a wealth of resources, opportunities for cross-cultural exchange, and stimulating environments that enable artists to develop their practice and broaden their perspectives. Through participation in these programs, African artists can immerse themselves in the rich artistic heritage of South America, create new connections, and gain invaluable insights into the creative landscape of this captivating continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What advice do African artists need to apply for a residency in South America?
- 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 South American 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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