Rongo Artist Residency 2026 Opens Applications for African Creatives

Artists and storytellers across Africa now have an exciting opportunity to develop new work, expand their creative networks, and engage with a vibrant artistic community through the Rongo Artist Residency 2026.

Based in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, the residency is a two-month hybrid programme designed to bring together emerging and mid-career creatives from diverse disciplines. The programme offers a unique space for participants to create, collaborate, and connect with fellow artists while receiving mentorship and professional development opportunities.

About the Rongo Artist Residency 2026

The residency welcomes applications from African creatives working in:

• Visual Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Mixed Media)
• Film and Moving Image (Documentary, Narrative, Experimental Film)
• Creative Writing (Fiction, Non-fiction, Poetry, Playwriting, and Literary Arts)
• Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre, and Performance Art)

The residency seeks bold creative voices interested in exploring new ideas and engaging with local artistic communities in Benin City.

What Selected Residents Will Receive

Participants selected for the residency will benefit from:

• A structured two-month hybrid residency programme
• Access to studio spaces and creative facilities in Benin City
• Mentorship, collaboration, and peer-learning opportunities
• Engagement with local artists, institutions, and communities
• Opportunities to showcase and present new work
• One year of free access to MasterClass through a partnership with Sprinng NG

For writers applying to the residency, resources such as Best Writing Instruments Every Writer Should Have and From Draft to Masterpiece: How Online Writing Tools Can Polish Your Work can help strengthen both the writing process and final submissions.

Eligibility for the Rongo Artist Residency

The residency is open to both emerging and mid-career African artists. Whether you are a visual artist, filmmaker, writer, performer, or multidisciplinary creative, the programme offers an opportunity to deepen your practice while building meaningful connections within the African creative ecosystem.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Rongo Artist Residency 2026 close on Friday, 12 June 2026 at 11:59 PM WAT. Late submissions will not be considered.

Apply through this form.