Residency open call for artists based in East Africa 2027 Apply Now, This residency offers an opportunity for an established artist from East Africa to step away from the familiar and spend eleven weeks immersed in London’s creative environment. Hosted by Gasworks from 7 April to 22 June 2027, the fully funded programme is designed for artists who have already presented their work across several venues and are ready to take their practice in a new direction.
Rather than following a fixed programme or predetermined outcome, the residency gives artists the freedom to shape their own journey. Gasworks’ residencies are self-led, non-prescriptive and process-based, allowing participants to spend time researching ideas, experimenting with new approaches and developing work at their own pace. The residency also creates space to engage with London, encounter new perspectives and build meaningful professional connections.
Artists will not be left to navigate the experience alone. Throughout the eleven weeks, Gasworks provides administrative, pastoral and curatorial support, while leaving the creative direction firmly in the hands of the resident. Participants are expected to be self-motivated and take responsibility for their own research and production.
The open call is aimed at artists based in Burundi, Chagos Archipelago, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, French Southern Territories, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, Tanzania or Zambia.
With support from Mercedes Vilardell, the residency forms part of Gasworks’ wider programme of international residencies, which hosts artists from around the world and focuses on professional development, cultural exchange and artistic experimentation. For an eligible East African artist, it can provide not only time and resources to develop new work, but also an opportunity to place their practice within London’s wider artistic and cultural landscape.
Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the full details and submit their applications before the specified deadline to seize this grant opportunity.
Last Date of Submission: 28 September 2026, 1pm (UK time)
Residency open call for artists based in East Africa 2027 Apply Now
The Residency
For the selected artist, the eleven-week residency at Gasworks is designed to provide much more than a studio. It offers the time, space, financial support and professional connections needed to explore new ideas and develop an artistic practice in London.
The artist will have 24-hour, seven-day access to a fully accessible private studio at Gasworks, working alongside other resident artists and a wider community of London-based studio holders. They will also have their own single room at Gasworks’ Residency House, a two-storey, five-bedroom house shared with four other resident artists. The house includes three communal bathrooms and a shared kitchen.
Travel and relocation costs are covered as part of the residency. The selected artist will receive economy return flights and taxi transfers between their home country and London, with provision for one cabin bag and one checked bag. Gasworks will also cover visa costs and provide support throughout the visa application process.
To help with everyday expenses, the artist will receive a weekly stipend of £175, along with a materials budget of up to £800. A prepaid Transport for London travel card covering Zones 1 and 2 will also provide unlimited travel across central London for the duration of the residency.
The programme places strong emphasis on interaction and professional development. The artist will have opportunities for studio visits with Gasworks staff, external curators, artists and educational groups, as well as networking opportunities and at least two individual studio visits with other artists, curators and arts professionals.
Towards the end of the residency, the artist will have the opportunity to share the work and research developed during their stay through an Open Studio event and presentation scheduled for Saturday, 12 June. They will also have access to Gasworks’ basic tools and audiovisual equipment, subject to availability.
The artist’s work will receive additional visibility through a dedicated residency page on the Gasworks website, featuring a short video interview introducing their practice. The video will be filmed and edited by Gasworks during the residency.
Throughout the programme, Gasworks will provide administrative, pastoral and curatorial support during office hours, from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday. At the same time, residents are expected to take an independent and self-directed approach to their research and artistic development.
Residency open call for artists based in East Africa 2027 Apply Now
Who Can Apply?
The open call is specifically aimed at early-career contemporary visual artists based in East Africa. Eligible locations include Burundi, Chagos Archipelago, Comoros, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, French Southern Territories, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mozambique, Réunion, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania and Zambia.
Applicants should have at least a moderate level of spoken English and be comfortable discussing their artistic practice in English. The residency is also conditional on successful approval of the artist’s visa application.
Residency open call for artists based in East Africa 2027 Apply Now
How Will Artists Be Selected?
Applications will be assessed by a selection panel made up of representatives from Gasworks and external advisors with specialist knowledge of contemporary art in East Africa and the UK.
The selection process prioritises artists producing high-quality contemporary work, particularly those who have not previously had the opportunity to work in London. Gasworks also encourages applicants to thoroughly research its programme, previous residents and the wider context of its work before submitting an application.
After the initial application review, three to five shortlisted artists will be invited to a short online interview with Gasworks staff. A final selection will then be made.
Accessibility and Additional Considerations
Gasworks welcomes applications from eligible artists from all backgrounds. However, because the residency funding and accommodation are designed for a single participant, the programme cannot accommodate artistic duos or collectives. Partners and children cannot be accommodated within the residency arrangements either.
Artists who would like to spend time in London with their families may still apply, provided they arrange their family members’ travel and accommodation independently.
Gasworks is also open to discussing how the residency programme can be adapted to meet individual access needs. Artists with questions about accessibility, facilities or specific requirements are encouraged to contact rachel@gasworks.org.uk
Residency open call for artists based in East Africa 2027 Apply Now
How to apply?
We only accept digital applications. Please use the online application form at the end of
the opportunity page on Gasworks’ website, here.
Your application should include the
following in one PDF file:
-
A cover sheet with your legal name, home or contact address, e-mail, and
telephone number, as well as any relevant social media handles or website links.
2. A 250-word statement describing your artistic practice and interests.
3. A 250-word statement on your plans for the residency, outlining the work or
research you would like to undertake in London, even if this is subject to change.
4. Up to 15 images or video/sound clips of recent work, with clear captions and
short descriptions, if necessary (up to 100 words per artwork).
5. A CV/Resume (no more than 3 pages).
6. Any relevant documentation, such as articles about your recent work,
exhibitions, or publications.
Please note that there is a 15MB limit on submissions. If your file is not in PDF format or
is over 15MB, you will not be able to submit it.
If you would prefer to provide spoken rather than written answers for points 2 and 3,
please include these in your PDF application as sound or video file links.
Artificial Intelligence tools can be useful for exploring thoughts, but can result in overly
generic applications. We hope to read an application that you feel best represents your
practice.
Timeline
Application deadline: 28 September 2026, 1pm (UK time)
Online interviews with shortlisted candidates: week beginning 19 October 2026
Successful applicant notified: week beginning 26 October 2026
Please note that we anticipate a high volume of applications for this opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Who is eligible for the Gasworks Residency 2027?
The residency is open to early-career contemporary visual artists based in eligible East African countries, including Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan and others listed in the official call.
-
What financial support does the residency provide?
The selected artist receives return economy flights, taxi transfers, visa costs, a weekly stipend of £175, a materials budget of up to £800, and a prepaid TfL travel card covering Zones 1 and 2.
-
Where will the artist stay during the residency?
The artist will receive a private room at Gasworks’ Residency House, a shared five-bedroom house with communal bathrooms and a kitchen. The artist will also have 24-hour access to a private studio at Gasworks.
-
Do applicants need to speak English?
Yes. Applicants should have at least a moderate level of spoken English and be comfortable discussing their artwork and practice in English.
-
Can artists apply as a duo or bring family members?
No. The residency is designed for one artist and cannot accommodate artistic duos, collectives, partners or children. Artists may arrange separate accommodation and travel for family members at their own expense.
Note: For more comprehensive details click the link below
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