Organizer Information
The Rele Arts Foundation is a Nigeria-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing contemporary art practices across Africa and its diaspora. Known for its strong commitment to critical discourse, artistic experimentation, and cultural exchange, the Foundation operates as a key player in the African contemporary art ecosystem. Through exhibitions, publications, residencies, and research-driven initiatives, Rele Arts Foundation fosters dialogue between artists, curators, and scholars working within global contemporary art contexts.
One of its core initiatives is The R2 Space, a residency platform designed to provide artists and cultural practitioners with the resources, time, and environment necessary to develop ambitious projects. The Foundation places particular emphasis on intellectually rigorous practices and encourages work that engages critically with social, cultural, and urban contexts—especially within Lagos, one of Africa’s most dynamic cultural capitals.
Title & Description
The R2 Space – Rele Arts Foundation Residency Program
The R2 Space Residency is an annual visual arts residency program tailored for mid-career African and diaspora artists aged 35 and above, as well as curators, writers, and researchers. The program is structured to support independent artistic and research-based projects, offering participants the opportunity to develop work from initial concept through to final presentation.
Running year-round, the residency allows selected participants to stay between one to three months, depending on project needs and scheduling availability. The program emphasizes critical engagement, intellectual depth, and relevance to contemporary art discourse, encouraging participants to explore innovative ideas and methodologies.
While the residency strongly encourages projects that engage with the urban, cultural, and social context of Lagos, it remains open to broader conceptual and research-based explorations. Participants are expected to take an autonomous approach to their work, using the residency as a platform for focused production, reflection, and experimentation.
Residents may also have the opportunity to present their outcomes in the Foundation’s gallery space, offering visibility within a professional contemporary art context.
Categories
- Visual Arts
- Installation
- Photography
- Video Art
- Performance Art
- Curatorial Practice
- Art Writing
- Research-Based Practices
- Interdisciplinary Practices
Eligibility
- Open to professional artists, curators, writers, and researchers
- Applicants must be from Africa or the African diaspora
- Targeted at mid-career practitioners (aged 35 and above)
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong, critically engaged artistic or research practice
- Working knowledge of English is required for communication and collaboration
Program Benefits & Awards
- Residency duration: 1 to 3 months
- Monthly stipend: $500 USD
- Access to workspace within The R2 Space
- Opportunity to present work in a professional gallery setting
- Institutional support from Rele Arts Foundation staff
- Professional networking opportunities within Lagos’ contemporary art scene
- Time and space for independent research and production
The residency is self-directed, meaning participants define their own schedule and project trajectory while benefiting from logistical and institutional support.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project Proposal (maximum 500 words) outlining the goals, concept, and purpose of the residency
- Portfolio / Documentation of recent work (up to 25 pages, covering work from the last 5 years)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages)
- For video or large-format works:
- Provide external links (YouTube, Vimeo, or other platforms)
- Ensure all links are functional and accessible
How to Apply?
Applications must be submitted via email: info@releartfoundation.org
Ensure all required documents are included and properly formatted before submission.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 11 May 2026
- Residency Period: Flexible (1–3 months, scheduled upon acceptance)
- Notification: Not explicitly stated (typically communicated after the review process)
Location
Lagos, Nigeria
Additional Details
- The residency supports independent practice, requiring participants to be self-motivated and capable of structuring their own workflow
- Selection is based on:
- Artistic quality and conceptual strength
- Critical thinking and research approach
- Relevance and clarity of the proposed project
- Between 12 and 36 participants are selected annually
- The program fosters a collaborative yet self-directed environment, encouraging exchange among residents while maintaining individual focus