ART X Lagos and Cité internationale des arts invite Nigeria-based visual artists, curators and designers to apply for the international residency programme.
26 May 2026
Open Call:
Applications are now open for the 2026 to 2027 edition of RESONANCE, a fully funded international residency programme for visual artists, curators, and designers currently living and working in Nigeria. The programme is presented in partnership with ART X Lagos, Cité internationale des arts in Paris, and the Embassy of France in Nigeria / Institut Français du Nigeria.
The annual residency supports mobility, artistic research and international exchange through a three-month residency in Paris.
Institutional Context:
Initiated in 2020 by Cité internationale des arts and the Institut Français du Nigeria, RESONANCE was expanded in 2025 through a partnership with ART X Lagos to include visual artists, curators and designers based in Nigeria.
The programme aims to strengthen professional networks within the Nigerian art scene while creating opportunities for participants to engage internationally through mentorship, research and institutional exchange.
Selected residents will receive:
- A fully funded three-month residency in Paris
- A live-in studio at the Marais site of the Cité internationale des arts
- A monthly living allowance of €1,200
- Round-trip travel to and from Paris
- Professional mentoring and dialogue with France-based practitioners
- Networking opportunities and institutional visits organised by the residency partners
Visa and insurance costs remain the responsibility of participants.
Eligibility and Criteria:
The programme is open to:
- Visual artists
- Curators
- Designers
Applicants must:
- Live and work in Nigeria.
- Be over 23 years old by 1 January 2026
- Be able to fully commit to the residency period and engage actively with the programme environment.
Curatorial applicants are also required to demonstrate at least 5 years of professional experience, including at least 2 curated exhibitions and 2 published texts in recognised art media.
Previous winners of the RESONANCE programme and related residency programmes by Cité internationale des arts and the Embassy of France in Nigeria are not eligible to reapply, though previous unsuccessful applicants may apply again.
Evaluation Process:
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Artistic or curatorial quality
- Strength of research proposal or creative practice
- Professional experience
- Capacity to benefit from international exchange
- Commitment to the residency structure and collaborative environment
Selected participants will work closely with mentors and professionals based in France during the residency period.
Practical Information:
Residency dates:
- Curatorial Residency: 2 October to 28 December 2026
- Visual Arts Residency: 3 November 2026 to 28 January 2027
- Design Residency: 3 November 2026 to 28 January 2027
Application deadline:
- 31 May 2026
Applications and Queries
Applications must be submitted through the official RESONANCE application form: Apply for RESONANCE 2026
Further programme information is available through ART X Lagos: Learn More
