Organizer Information
Studio Voltaire is one of the United Kingdom’s leading non-profit arts organizations and registered charities. Based in a converted Victorian Methodist Chapel in Clapham, South London, it has spent over 30 years championing emerging and under-represented artists. The organization is a vital part of London’s cultural landscape, providing affordable workspace to over 50 onsite artists and hosting a globally recognized program of exhibitions, commissions, and residencies.
This specific residency is a pioneering three-year partnership with the Defise Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting modern and contemporary art from Africa and its diasporas. By fostering international exchange, Studio Voltaire and the Defise Foundation aim to create sustainable professional pathways for Congolese artists within the global art market.
Title & Description
Residency for Congolese Artists (2026 Edition)
This residency offers a transformative 12-week program in London for an artist from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The opportunity is designed to provide "time, space, and resources" for the artist to deepen their research and experiment with new media in a high-profile international context.
The program emphasizes artistic development over finished production. Residents join a vibrant community of cultural practitioners, gaining access to specialized professional mentoring and production facilities. The residency aims to bridge the gap between Central African artistic practices and the UK's contemporary art scene, fostering meaningful dialogue and cultural diplomacy.
Categories
The residency is multidisciplinary and open to artists working across various contemporary media, including:
- Visual Arts: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, and Installation.
- Time-based Media: Video, Film, and Sound Art.
- Performance: Live art and body-focused practices.
- Photography: Documentary, conceptual, and experimental photography.
- Craft & Material Research: Including access to onsite workshops (e.g., ceramics, woodwork).
Eligibility
To ensure the program reaches its target demographic, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be of Congolese nationality.
- Location: Open to artists currently living and working in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or members of the Congolese Diaspora globally.
- Career Stage: Open to emerging or mid-career artists who can demonstrate how an international residency would pivotally impact their career trajectory.
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected artists receive a fully-funded residency package valued significantly for its professional and financial support:
- Creative Stipend: A substantial living allowance to cover day-to-day costs in London.
- Accommodation: Fully-funded housing in London provided for the duration of the 12 weeks.
- Travel & Logistics: Return international flights and comprehensive support for UK visa application fees.
- Dedicated Studio: A private, high-quality workspace at Studio Voltaire.
- Production Budget: Access to a budget for materials and technical production.
- Mentorship: Tailored curatorial support and professional development sessions with Studio Voltaire’s staff and external experts.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following (submissions are accepted in both English and French):
- Personal Details: Name, location, and contact information.
- Biography & CV: A record of artistic training, exhibitions, and previous residencies (max 3 pages).
- Artist Statement: A summary of your practice and core artistic concerns (max 300 words).
- Residency Proposal: A clear outline of what you hope to achieve during the 12 weeks and how London fits into your research (max 500 words).
- Portfolio: A selection of 5–10 high-quality images or 3 video links representing recent work.
How to Apply?
Please submit your application via email to studiosandresidencies@studiovoltaire.org with ‘Application: residency for Congolese artists’ in the subject line. Applications must be submitted in English only.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
- Notification Date: March 2026
- Residency Period: Typically 12 weeks scheduled between May and July 2026
Location
London, United Kingdom
Additional Details
The residency often culminates in an Open Studio event, allowing the artist to share their research with curators, collectors, and the general public. While the residency is research-focused, many artists have used the opportunity to experiment with new techniques—such as glassblowing or specific printing methods—through Studio Voltaire's local practitioner network.