Deadline: 31-May-2026
The RESONANCE Residency Programme supports creative professionals based in Nigeria through an international residency hosted in Paris, France. It is designed to strengthen artistic mobility, research, and global professional networks.
- Core purpose:
- Support artistic and curatorial research
- Strengthen international collaboration and mobility
- Enhance professional networks in global art and design sectors
- Promote cross-cultural exchange between Nigeria and France
- Key thematic focus areas:
- Visual arts and contemporary artistic practice
- Curatorial research and exhibition development
- Design innovation (furniture, object, digital, print)
- Photography, performance, and digital arts
- Cultural exchange and mentorship
- International artistic collaboration
Residency Structure and Benefits
The programme provides full financial and institutional support for selected participants during their stay in Paris.
- Duration:
- 3-month residency
- Location:
- Cité internationale des arts, Marais site, Paris
- Benefits provided:
- Fully equipped live-in studio accommodation
- Monthly living allowance of €1200
- Travel costs to and from Paris covered
- Access to professional visits and networking events
- Mentorship and institutional support in France
- Not covered:
- Visa costs
- Insurance expenses
Who Can Apply (Eligibility Criteria)
The programme is open to experienced and emerging creative professionals living and working in Nigeria.
- Eligible applicants:
- Visual artists
- Curators
- Designers
- General requirements:
- Must currently live and work in Nigeria
- Must be over 23 years old (as of January 1, 2026)
- Must hold a valid passport
- Must be available for the full residency duration
- Must demonstrate ability to travel internationally
Discipline-Specific Eligibility
Applicants must meet professional standards depending on their field.
- Curators:
- Minimum 5 years of curatorial experience
- At least 2 curated exhibitions
- At least 2 publications in recognised/referenced art media
- Artists:
- Minimum 2 years of active artistic practice
- Strong portfolio demonstrating professional work
- Designers:
- Proven professional practice in design
- Research-based engagement with design discipline
- Demonstrated project or portfolio work
Programme Activities and Opportunities
The residency is structured around research, exchange, and professional development.
- Core activities:
- Artistic and design research development
- Studio-based creative work
- Mentorship sessions with French professionals
- Networking with international cultural institutions
- Professional visits and exchanges
- Expected outcomes:
- Expanded international professional network
- Strengthened artistic practice and research output
- Increased global visibility for Nigerian creatives
- Cross-cultural artistic collaboration
Selection Focus and Priorities
The programme prioritises applicants with strong professional intent and research-driven practice.
- Selection priorities:
- Strong conceptual and research-based practice
- Clear artistic or curatorial trajectory
- Commitment to international collaboration
- Demonstrated professional experience and portfolio strength
Conclusion
The RESONANCE Residency Programme provides Nigerian-based artists, curators, and designers with a fully funded opportunity to develop their practice through international residency experience in Paris.
- It aims to:
- Strengthen creative research and professional development
- Expand global artistic networks
- Support cross-cultural exchange between Nigeria and France
- Provide structured mentorship and institutional access
- Enhance long-term career growth in the arts and design sectors.
For more information, visit International City of Arts.