Eligibility extends across 19 countries—submit by 10 August 2025
The Delfina Foundation, a London-based organisation renowned for its international artist residencies and thought-provoking public programming, has announced its latest open call, inviting visual artists from East Africa to apply for a fully funded 12-week winter residency in London. The residency will take place from January 6 to March 27, 2026.
This opportunity forms part of Delfina Foundation’s ongoing commitment to supporting global artistic exchange and nurturing critical, socially engaged practices. Artists selected for the residency will join an international cohort in London, gaining access to studio space, curatorial support, and a wide-ranging public programme.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must be citizens or long-term residents of one of the following countries:
- British Indian Ocean Territory
- Burundi
- Comoros
- Djibouti
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- French Southern Territories
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritius
- Mayotte
- Mozambique
- Réunion
- Rwanda
- Seychelles
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Uganda
- United Republic of Tanzania
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Applications are open to artists working in any visual medium. The residency is designed to support both emerging and mid-career practitioners who are ready to deepen their practice within a collaborative and critically engaged international context.
About the Residency
Taking place during Delfina Foundation’s Winter 2026 season, the residency provides artists with:
- Accommodation and a dedicated studio in central London
- A tailored programme of studio visits, public talks, and networking opportunities
- Access to Delfina Foundation’s network of curators, thinkers, and artists
- Time and space to pursue research or develop new work
- A chance to engage with London’s contemporary art ecosystem
Residencies at Delfina Foundation are structured around evolving thematic seasons. While the upcoming theme is yet to be announced, selected artists will be encouraged to connect their work to wider conversations taking place within the programme.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete an online application form and submit the required supporting documents, including a CV, artist statement, and portfolio. It is highly recommended that applicants read the guidance notes before applying to ensure eligibility and alignment with the residency goals.
Deadline
The deadline to apply is Sunday, 10 August 2025 at 23:59 BST. Early submissions are encouraged, as applications are reviewed competitively.
Why Apply?
- Be part of a leading international residency programme
- Build lasting connections with peers, curators, and collaborators
- Access new audiences and networks
- Immerse yourself in London’s vibrant cultural landscape
- Gain space and time to reflect, research, and create
Since its inception, Delfina Foundation has supported hundreds of artists and curators from around the world, and its alum network continues to grow across disciplines and continents. This open call offers East African artists a unique opportunity to join that community.
If you’re an artist seeking an opportunity to reflect, connect, and challenge your practice within a new context, this residency could be the next step in your journey.
For full details and to apply, visit the Delfina Foundation website.
