Deadline: 18-Jan-2026

The Delfina Foundation is offering a fully funded 12-week residency in London for artists from Syria, providing professional development, networking, research time, and comprehensive financial and logistical support. The program runs from 25 June to 11 September 2026 and includes studio visits, mentoring, cultural tours, materials funding, and accommodation. Eligible Syrian artists from Syria or the region can apply and will undergo a competitive selection process with interviews in January.

Overview

The Delfina Foundation invites applications from Syrian artists for a 12-week international residency designed to support artistic research, professional growth, and cross-cultural collaboration. The residency provides structured learning, mentorship, studio visits, and cultural engagement across London’s arts ecosystem.

What the Residency Offers

The program is part of Delfina Foundation’s Open Research Season, giving artists time, space, and support to develop independent or research-based projects.

Key Benefits

• Guided visits to museums, galleries, studios, non-profits, and artist-run spaces

• Opportunities to meet artists, curators, researchers, and academics

• Presentations, critiques, portfolio reviews, and mentoring

• Collaborative exchanges and peer learning

• Shared meals, informal gatherings, and networking

• Accommodation for eight residents with communal facilities

• Comprehensive funding package, including:

  • Return economy airfare

  • UK airport transfers

  • Visa fee reimbursement (if applicable)

  • Living allowance: £40/day

  • Materials budget: £1,000

  • London travel pass

  • Private room in the Delfina residence

Programme Dates

25 June – 11 September 2026
A structured schedule supports artistic growth, research, and connection with London’s cultural institutions.

Who Is Eligible?

This residency is open exclusively to artists of Syrian nationality.

You must meet the following criteria:

• Be a Syrian national currently living in:

  • Syria OR

  • Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkey, or the UAE (if you lived in Syria before 2012)

• Hold a graduate-level qualification in arts or a related field

• Demonstrate strong collaborative and interpersonal skills

• Be proficient in English

• Clearly articulate how this residency will benefit your artistic practice

• Be able to independently obtain travel insurance covering emergencies and personal belongings for the full residency period

Why This Residency Matters

• Strengthens international exposure for Syrian artists

• Provides access to global cultural networks

• Supports artistic research and long-term professional growth

• Offers rare fully funded mobility for artists from conflict-affected contexts

• Creates a collaborative and multicultural environment

• Supports career development through mentoring, critique sessions, and professional interactions

How to Apply

While the call details are not described in the original text, Delfina residencies follow a clear application pattern.

Expected Application Steps

1. Prepare your application materials, typically including:

   • Artistic CV

   • Portfolio (images, videos, or documentation)

   • Statement of practice

   • Residency motivation statement

   • Proof of nationality and residence

2. Submit your application online through Delfina Foundation’s application portal (usually provided on their website).

3. Application review by a panel of Delfina staff and external advisers.

4. Shortlisted candidates invited to an online interview in late January.

5. Final decisions communicated by early February.

Selection Criteria

• Quality and originality of artistic practice

• Relevance of residency to your professional development

• Ability to engage in collaborative exchange

• Clarity in articulating research intentions

• Eligibility compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to clearly explain how the residency supports your artistic goals

• Submitting incomplete or poorly formatted portfolios

• Ignoring the English proficiency requirement

• Not demonstrating collaborative ability

• Missing eligibility criteria related to nationality or location

• Forgetting to plan or budget for travel insurance

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is this residency fully funded?

Yes. It includes flights, transfers, visa reimbursement, living allowance, materials budget, transport pass, and accommodation.

2. Do I need to speak English?

Yes. English proficiency is required to participate in meetings, critiques, and collaborative activities.

3. Can artists living outside the listed countries apply?

No. You must be a Syrian national living in Syria or the specified countries, unless Delfina updates eligibility guidelines.

4. Do I need a specific artistic discipline?

The call is open to artists in any contemporary arts discipline, as long as they meet educational and collaborative requirements.

5. How many residents will participate?

Up to eight artists will live and work together in the Delfina residency house.

6. Is a project proposal required?

Applicants must articulate how the residency supports their artistic development; some project outline or research focus is typically expected.

7. When will I be notified of the results?

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in late January, and all applicants will be informed by early February.

Conclusion

The Delfina Foundation’s 2026 residency offers Syrian artists a rare opportunity to develop their practice in a globally connected environment with full financial support. Through structured learning, mentorship, and cultural exchange, selected artists gain the resources and networks needed to expand their artistic impact internationally. This residency stands as a transformative platform for creative growth, professional development, and cross-cultural collaboration.

For more information, visit Delfina Foundation.