The United States offers a diverse range of artist residency programs that cater to a wide array of artistic practices, disciplines, and backgrounds. For African artists looking to expand their horizons, engage in cross-cultural exchange, and experience the dynamic American art scene, these residencies provide invaluable opportunities for growth and development. This article highlights some of the top art residencies for African artists in the United States, showcasing programs that offer unique experiences, resources, and support to help artists thrive and excel in their creative endeavors.
1. The MacDowell Colony – Peterborough, New Hampshire
Location: Peterborough, New Hampshire
Duration of Residency: 2 weeks to 2 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and meals
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The MacDowell Colony is a prestigious artist residency program that accepts artists from around the world, including African artists. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and meals for residencies lasting from 2 weeks to 2 months. MacDowell encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange among artists from various disciplines.
2. Yaddo – Saratoga Springs, New York
Location: Saratoga Springs, New York
Duration of Residency: 2 weeks to 2 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and meals
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Yaddo is an artists’ community that provides a supportive environment for creative individuals, including African artists, to work and collaborate. The residency offers studio space, accommodation, and meals for 2 weeks to 2 months. Yaddo fosters an atmosphere of artistic exploration and encourages residents to engage with the diverse community of artists.
3. Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture – Skowhegan, Maine
Location: Skowhegan, Maine
Duration of Residency: 9 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, meals, and partial stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture is an intensive summer residency program that accepts African artists alongside artists from other parts of the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, meals, and a partial stipend for the 9-week residency. Skowhegan emphasizes experimentation, collaboration, and critical discourse among the resident artists.
4. Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts – Omaha, Nebraska
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Duration of Residency: 3 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is a renowned artist residency program that welcomes African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for the 3-month residency. Bemis Center fosters an environment of collaboration and experimentation, allowing artists to focus on their practice and engage with the local arts community.
5. The Fountainhead Residency – Miami, Florida
Location: Miami, Florida
Duration of Residency: 1-2 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Fountainhead Residency is an artist-run program that supports international artists, including African artists, in Miami, Florida. The residency provides studio space, accommodation, and a stipend for 1 to 2 months, fostering an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and dialogue among artists from different backgrounds. The Fountainhead Residency encourages interaction with the local art community and hosts events to promote residents work.
6. The Vermont Studio Center – Johnson, Vermont
Location: Johnson, Vermont
Duration of Residency: 4-12 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, meals, and partial stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Vermont Studio Center is the largest international artists’ and writers’ residency program in the United States, accepting African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, meals, and a partial stipend for residencies lasting 4 to 12 weeks. The Vermont Studio Center fosters an environment of collaboration and creativity, allowing artists to focus on their practice and engage with a diverse community of artists.
7. The Headlands Center for the Arts – Sausalito, California
Location: Sausalito, California
Duration of Residency: 4-10 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, meals, and stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Headlands Center for the Arts is a multidisciplinary, international arts center that provides residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, meals, and a stipend for residencies lasting 4 to 10 weeks. The Headlands Center for the Arts encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange among artists, fostering a supportive and inspiring environment.
8. The Wassaic Project – Wassaic, New York
Location: Wassaic, New York
Duration of Residency: 1-6 months
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and partial stipend
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Wassaic Project is an artist-run, multidisciplinary arts organization that offers residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and a partial stipend for residencies lasting 1 to 6 months. The Wassaic Project fosters an environment of collaboration and creativity, supporting artistic growth and engagement with the local art community.
9. Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency – Saugatuck, Michigan
Location: Saugatuck, Michigan
Duration of Residency: 2-5 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and meals
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Ox-Bow School of Art and Artists’ Residency is an interdisciplinary arts center that welcomes African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, and meals for residencies lasting 2 to 5 weeks. Ox-Bow encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural dialogue among artists, providing a supportive and inspiring environment for artistic growth.
10. The Ragdale Foundation – Lake Forest, Illinois
Location: Lake Forest, Illinois
Duration of Residency: 2-4 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, and meals
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
The Ragdale Foundation is a historic artist residency program that supports African artists and artists from around the world. The program provides studio space, accommodation, and meals for residencies lasting 2 to 4 weeks. The Ragdale Foundation fosters an environment of creativity, collaboration, and artistic exploration, allowing artists to focus on their practice and engage with a diverse community of artists.
11. SOMA – Mexico City, Mexico
Location: Mexico City, Mexico
Duration of Residency: 8 weeks (Summer Program)
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, access to workshops and resources, and a dynamic educational program
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
SOMA is an educational and cultural organization located in Mexico City, offering residency programs for African artists and artists from around the world. Their Summer Program provides studio space, access to workshops and resources, as well as a dynamic educational program that includes lectures, workshops, and individual mentoring for 8 weeks. SOMA encourages collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange among artists, fostering a supportive environment for artistic growth.
12. Casa Wabi – Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Location: Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico
Duration of Residency: 6 weeks
Rewards or Stipend: Studio space, accommodation, meals, and access to local resources
Deadline to Apply: Varies
Link to Contact Page
Casa Wabi is an artist residency program located in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, Mexico, welcoming African artists and artists from around the world. The program offers studio space, accommodation, meals, and access to local resources for residencies lasting 6 weeks. Casa Wabi fosters an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and cross-cultural exchange, allowing artists to engage with the local community and explore the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In conclusion, the United States is home to an extensive selection of artist residencies that welcome African artists with open arms. These programs provide a platform for cultural exchange, collaboration, and artistic growth, enabling artists to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse American art scene. By participating in these residencies, African artists can strengthen their artistic practice, develop new ideas, and establish lasting connections with fellow artists and art professionals. Whether it’s the vibrant cities or the inspiring landscapes, the United States offers a wealth of opportunities for African artists to explore, learn, and create.
Frequently Asked Questions
What advice do African artists need to apply for a residency in the United States?
- 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 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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