Organizer Information
Delfina Foundation is a London-based non-profit foundation, founded in 2007 by the late arts patron Delfina Entrecanales CBE as successor to the Delfina Studio Trust. It is dedicated to facilitating artistic exchange and developing creative practice through residencies, partnerships, and public programming, and is widely recognized as London's largest provider of international residencies for artists and creative practitioners. Each year the foundation runs four three-month residency seasons, alternating between "open" independent research and "thematic" collective research strands.
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is an international foundation headquartered in Lisbon, established in 1956 through the will of philanthropist Calouste Sarkis Gulbenkian, with the statutory mission of promoting the development of individuals and organisations through art, science, education, and charity. Its UK Branch, also established in 1956 and based in London, focuses on strengthening arts and civil society ecosystems through transnational exchange, reciprocal capacity development, and knowledge sharing between Portugal and the UK.
Title & Description
Delfina Foundation Residency for Artists from Portugal and Portuguese-Speaking African Nations (Summer 2027)
In partnership with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch), Delfina Foundation is offering a twelve-week residency in London for contemporary visual artists from Portugal and select Portuguese-speaking African nations. The residency runs from 28 June to 17 September 2027, during Delfina Foundation's "open" summer 2027 season, which is dedicated to independent research rather than a fixed collective theme. Alongside dedicated time and space to develop their practice, residents take part in a structured programme including guided visits to museums, galleries, non-profits, artist-run spaces, and studios (including trips outside London); presentations, studio visits, events, and meals with artists, curators, academics, and researchers; professional development activities such as crits, portfolio reviews, and mentoring; and informal collaborative exchange with fellow residents.
Categories
- Residency
- Visual Arts
Eligibility
- Applicant must be born in Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, or São Tomé and Príncipe
- Individuals currently based in the UK are not eligible to apply
- Applicant must be seeking an opportunity to develop their practice through research
- Applicant must be able to explain how an international residency may benefit their career development and local networks
- Applicant must be proficient in English (the interview is conducted in English, and applicants must be able to confidently present and discuss their practice and ideas)
- Duos and collectives may apply but are asked to put forward one member to represent them in residence, as accommodation is limited to single rooms
- Previously unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply
Program Benefits & Awards
- A twelve-week fully-funded residency at Delfina Foundation
- 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 budget of £1,200
- A travel pass for London's public transport network
- A single bedroom with a desk at Delfina Foundation, a house hosting up to 8 residents with shared bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchen, library, and dining room
Application Fee
None
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 4 October 2026
- Notification of Results: mid-November 2026
- Residency Period: 28 June – 17 September 2027
Location
Delfina Foundation, London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
- Collectives or duos are generally not hosted due to space constraints (eight single rooms); one representative member is recommended if applying as a group
- Partners, children, dependents, and pets/ESAs cannot be accommodated onsite; if a selected participant needs to be accompanied, they must arrange their own separate accommodation — questions can be directed to opencall@delfinafoundation.com
- Delfina Foundation welcomes applicants with access needs, including D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists; access-related questions ahead of applying can be sent to Gillean Dickie, Director of Operations, at gillean@delfinafoundation.com with the subject line "Open call: access"