Residency For Curators Based in Central And West Africa
INTRODUCTION
Delfina Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating artistic exchange and developing creative practice through residencies, partnerships and public programming.
We are pleased to welcome applications from curators based in Central and West Africa for a residency in London, supported by Delfina’s Network of Patrons for Africa. The selected applicant(s) will be offered a six- or twelve-week residency within Delfina’s winter 2027 season (5 January to 28 March 2027).
Each year, Delfina Foundation runs four three-month residency seasons. These residency seasons are dedicated to ‘open’ independent research or to 'thematic’ collective research around a specific issue or idea. This residency will take place during our 'open' season.
RESIDENCY ACTIVITIES
Alongside gaining time and space to develop their work, Delfina’s residencies offer a programme that includes:
Guided visits to museums, galleries, non-profits, artist-run spaces and studios, as well as trips to institutions outside London;
Opportunities to meet and engage with artists, curators, academics and researchers through organised presentations, studio visits, events and meals;
Professional development activities including presentations and crits, portfolio reviews, and mentoring activities to strengthen the artistic practice; and
Collaborative exchange between residents through informal gatherings and meals.
TRAVEL AND LIVING ALLOWANCES
Support for the residency includes:
A return economy-class flight
Airport transfers in the UK
Reimbursement of visa fees (if required)
A living allowance of £40 per day
A materials/research allowance of £70 per week
A travel pass for London’s public transport network
A single bedroom with a desk at Delfina Foundation, a house which hosts up to 8 residents with shared facilities, including: bathrooms, laundry rooms, a kitchen, library and dining room
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
Hold nationality and be based in one of the following countries in Central and West Africa: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde (Cape Verde), Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Togo
Have at least five years of professional curatorial practice in a freelance, academic or institutional context
Be able to explain how the experience of an international residency will be of benefit, not only to the individual but also to their local networks; and
Be proficient in English (the interview will be conducted in English and applicants are expected to be able to confidently present and discuss their practice and ideas with the interviewers)
APPLICATION FORM
To apply, please complete and submit the application form.
We encourage applicants to review the FAQ section before applying.
APPLICATION TIMELINE
Application deadline: Sunday, 30 August 2026, 23:59 BST
All applicants will be notified of the success of their application by late September 2026.