The Delfina Foundation, in partnership with El Espacio 23/Jorge M. Pérez Collection, is accepting applications from Latin American and Caribbean artists (including diasporic communities in the U.S.) for twelve-week residencies in London. The programme offers financial support, professional development, mentorship, and cultural exchange, aiming to foster international dialogue, artistic growth, and collaborative practice. Two artists will be selected from this open call, with residencies running from September–December 2026 and January–March 2027.
Overview
The residency programme seeks to:
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Strengthen cultural exchange between Latin America, the Caribbean, their diasporas, and the UK
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Support artistic practices that reflect the complexity and richness of these regions
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Provide time, space, and resources for artists to develop their practice
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Encourage critical dialogue, professional exchange, and mentorship within an international artistic community
Residency Structure
Selected residents will:
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Join an international cohort of artists, curators, and thinkers
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Participate in structured talks, visits, and exchanges
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Receive mentoring and virtual exchanges from El Espacio 23 curators
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Engage in professional development activities such as crits, portfolio reviews, and collaborative exchanges
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Take part in guided visits to museums, galleries, studios, and non-profits in London and beyond
Residency Dates
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Residency 1: 21 September – 13 December 2026
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Residency 2: 5 January – 25 March 2027
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A second open call will appoint two additional residencies at a later date
Financial and Logistical Support
Selected artists will receive:
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Return economy-class flights and airport transfers within the UK
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Visa fee reimbursement where applicable
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Living allowance: £40 per day for twelve weeks
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Materials budget: £1,200
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London public transport travel pass
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Accommodation: Single bedroom with a desk at Delfina Foundation’s shared residence
Note: Travel insurance must be arranged independently.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must:
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Be artists of Latin American or Caribbean nationality living in underrepresented countries (excluding Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina) or part of diasporic communities in the U.S.
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Hold at least a graduate-level qualification in arts or a related field
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Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and participate in all residency activities
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Be proficient in English
Application Process
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Submit Materials: Portfolio, CV, project proposal, and supporting documents
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Shortlisting: Applications reviewed based on artistic quality, relevance, and potential
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Online Interview: Shortlisted applicants interviewed during the week of 18 May 2026
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Final Selection: Made by Delfina Foundation with input from El Espacio 23
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Notification: Selected artists announced by 1 June 2026
Residency Outcomes
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Enhanced artistic growth and experimentation
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Stronger professional networks within Latin American, Caribbean, and UK arts communities
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Increased visibility and exposure through international collaboration and mentorship
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Opportunities for future engagements in Miami at the discretion of El Espacio 23
Key Dates
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Application Deadline: 6 April 2026
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Interviews for Shortlisted Applicants: Week commencing 18 May 2026
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Announcement of Selected Artists: 1 June 2026
Tips for Applicants
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Highlight how your practice reflects Latin American or Caribbean cultural contexts
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Demonstrate collaborative spirit and engagement in residency activities
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Present a clear, feasible plan for practice development during the twelve-week period
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Emphasize any previous experience with professional exchange or international projects
FAQ
1. How many artists will be selected from this call?
Two artists will be selected, with a second call for two additional residencies later.
2. What is included in the financial support?
Flights, airport transfers, visa fees, living allowance (£40/day), materials budget (£1,200), and London travel pass.
3. Are artists from the U.S. eligible?
Yes, if they are part of Latin American or Caribbean diasporic communities.
4. Can established companies or organisations apply?
No. Only individual artists meeting eligibility criteria can apply.
5. Is travel insurance provided?
No. Selected artists must arrange travel insurance independently.
6. What level of English proficiency is required?
Applicants must be proficient in English to fully participate in residency activities and exchanges.
7. Are artists from Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, and Argentina eligible?
No. This call focuses on countries underrepresented in recent Delfina Foundation programmes.
Conclusion
The Delfina Foundation & El Espacio 23 residency provides a unique opportunity for Latin American and Caribbean artists to develop their practice in a rich international environment, engage in critical dialogue and professional exchange, and gain financial, logistical, and mentoring support. Artists selected will expand their networks, gain exposure in the UK, and have the chance to contribute to global cultural exchange.
For more information, visit Delfina Foundation.
