ARD South Residency 2026–2027: Open Call for Visual Artists in Africa

Visual artists from selected African countries can apply for the ARD South Residency, which offers a fully supported, three-month international residency in Cairo, Egypt.

The programme is organised by ARD Art Institution in partnership with Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and will select four visual artists from Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

 

About the ARD South Residency

The ARD South Residency gives selected artists the opportunity to spend three months in Cairo developing their artistic practice, producing new work, engaging with the city’s arts community, and connecting with local cultural practitioners.

They will choose four artists and assign each one to a different residency period.

• Slot 1: Mid-October 2026 – Mid-January 2027
• Slot 2: November 1, 2026 – February 1, 2027
• Slot 3: April 1 – July 1, 2027
• Slot 4: April 15 – July 15, 2027

 

Benefits of the ARD South Residency

The residency is fully supported and provides selected artists with:

• Round-trip airfare and airport transit support
• Visa costs
• Fully equipped accommodation at the ARD ANNEX
• Per diem allowance
• Dedicated production fee
• Private studio workspace

 

Who Can Apply?

The open call is for visual artists who meet the following requirements:

• Be a citizen of and currently reside in Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, or South Africa
• Work in visual arts, including painting, photography, installation, video, performance, sculpture, or related mediums
• Have 2–5 years of experience in visual arts
• Be available to live and work in Cairo for the entire selected residency period
• Have working proficiency in English

Selected artists will also be expected to host an Open Studio and Artist Talk toward the end of their residency, providing an opportunity to share their research, artistic process, and experience with the public.

 

Application Requirements for the ARD South Residency

Applicants should prepare the following materials before completing the online application:

1. Biography

Submit a biography of no more than 300 words. Applicants looking to strengthen this section can read this guide on how to write a short author bio and introduce yourself effectively.

2. Artist Statement

Your artist statement must be no more than 300 words and should communicate your practice, ideas, interests, and artistic approach.

3. Portfolio

Submit an accessible online link to a PDF portfolio featuring recent work.

4. Motivation Letter

Applicants must submit a motivation letter of no more than 500 words explaining their interest in the residency and why the opportunity is relevant to their artistic practice.

For guidance on developing a compelling application statement, see these statement of purpose examples and tips.

 

Application Form

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the online registration form. Applicants will provide their personal information, biography, artist statement, portfolio link, motivation letter, social media or website links, and preferred residency slot(s).

Application deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Applicants may select multiple preferred residency slots.

Key Details

Programme: ARD South Residency
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Duration: Three months
Number of artists: 4
Eligible countries: Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa
Experience required: 2–5 years
Application fee: Not specified
Deadline: September 1, 2026
Application: Online registration form
Enquiries: info@ard-art.org

The ARD South Residency is made possible through the partnership between ARD Art Institution and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), providing emerging visual artists from the participating countries with an opportunity to develop their practice within Cairo’s vibrant cultural landscape.