Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Leipzig International Art Programme (LIA) residency provides an opportunity for a Senegalese visual artist to live and work in Leipzig, Germany for three months. The programme is designed to support artistic reflection on democracy and its relevance in modern societies.
The residency encourages participants to connect their artistic practice with broader social and political themes and to develop work that can contribute to public and societal dialogue.
Core Theme: Democracy and Society
The central focus of the residency is democracy, explored through:
- Historical development of democratic systems
- Contemporary relevance of democracy in global societies
- Artistic interpretation of democratic values
- Role of art in public discourse and civic engagement
- Social impact of democratic processes
Artists are expected to develop a project or research concept that engages with these themes through their own artistic language and practice.
Programme Objectives
The residency aims to:
- Encourage artistic engagement with democratic ideas
- Support research-based and concept-driven art practice
- Foster cross-cultural artistic exchange
- Strengthen social engagement through contemporary art
- Promote reflection on democracy in a global context
- Enable artists to share insights in their home country after the residency
Funding and Support Provided
Selected artists will receive comprehensive support, including:
- Free accommodation in an 83-square-meter furnished studio in Leipzig
- Monthly stipend of €800
- Coverage of travel and flight expenses
- Visa cost support
- Health insurance coverage
- Curatorial mentorship from LIA Director Anna-Louise Rolland
- Participation in a curated group exhibition
Exhibition and Outcomes
The residency concludes with:
- Participation in a group exhibition in Leipzig
- Inclusion in the Spinnerei Rundgang / Gallery Tour
- Public presentation of residency-developed artwork
- Scheduled exhibition in January 2027
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold Senegalese nationality
- Be professional visual artists
- Have an active artistic practice
- Demonstrate interest in democracy-related themes
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- CV or artistic biography including:
- Years of professional experience
- Exhibitions and artistic projects
- Educational background
- Expression of interest (project proposal)
- Up to six images of artwork or relevant video/audio links
Selection Expectations
Applicants are expected to:
- Clearly link their artistic practice to democracy
- Demonstrate conceptual and creative strength
- Show potential for societal engagement after the residency
- Present a feasible and meaningful project proposal
- Reflect on how the residency will influence their work and community impact
Importance of the Programme
This residency is significant because it:
- Promotes international cultural exchange
- Encourages critical engagement with democracy through art
- Supports professional development of artists
- Strengthens links between art and society
- Enables global visibility for emerging and established artists
- Encourages post-residency community engagement in Senegal
Conclusion
The Leipzig International Art Programme offers Senegalese visual artists a unique opportunity to explore democracy through artistic research and production in Germany. With full financial support, curatorial guidance, and international exhibition exposure, the residency fosters meaningful artistic development and encourages long-term social engagement through contemporary art practice.
For more information, visit LIA.