Nigerian creatives have a chance to spend three months in Paris with full funding through the RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026. This program brings curators, visual artists, and designers from Nigeria to France for research and networking. It partners with the Cité internationale des arts, ART X Lagos, and the French Embassy in Nigeria to help build careers in the art world.
Program Overview
The RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026 supports Nigerian-based professionals in the arts. It offers a stay at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, a top spot for artists. The goal is to help participants grow their projects, meet mentors, and connect with the local scene. One curator and one person each from visual arts and design will be selected.
Residency Dates
Each track has its own schedule:
- Curatorial Residency: October 2 to December 28, 2026.
- Visual Arts Residency: November 3, 2026, to January 28, 2027.
- Design Residency: November 3, 2026, to January 28, 2027.
Applicants must be free for the full period and able to travel.
Eligibility Requirements
The program is open to people of any nationality who live and work in Nigeria. All must be over 23 years old by January 1, 2026, and hold a valid passport with at least six months left after travel.
For Curators:
- At least five years of experience.
- Must have curated two exhibitions and published in art media.
For Visual Artists (plastic arts, digital arts, photography, performance):
- At least two years of practice shown in a portfolio.
For Designers (furniture, object, digital, print):
- Proof of work as a professional and researcher.
Everyone needs to commit fully to their research project and engage with the Cité’s community.
Benefits for Winners
Winners get a full package:
- Three-month live-in studio in Paris (Marais or Montmartre).
- Round-trip economy flight (one bag, no visa or insurance covered).
- €1,200 monthly allowance for living costs.
- Mentor support from a France-based expert in your field.
- Organized visits and networking events.
- Possible work with ART X Lagos later.
These perks let participants focus on their projects without money worries.
Application Documents
Submit these files:
- Resume (up to 4 pages) with education, work history, and contact info.
- Portfolio (5-20 pages) showing your approach and recent projects.
- Research statement (up to 3 pages) on your residency plans, including people or places you want to meet.
- Optional: 3-minute video of your work or a 1-page recommendation letter.
- Copy of valid passport.
Deadline and Next Steps
Applications close on May 31, 2026. Check the official page for details and to apply: Cité internationale des arts RESONANCE page. Start gathering your materials now to meet the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026?
People of any nationality living and working in Nigeria over 23 years old by January 1, 2026, with a valid passport. Curators need five years of experience, visual artists two years with a portfolio, and designers proof of professional work.
What are the residency dates for each track?
Curatorial Residency runs from October 2 to December 28, 2026. Visual Arts and Design Residencies are both from November 3, 2026, to January 28, 2027.
What benefits do winners receive?
Selected participants get a three-month live-in studio in Paris, round-trip flight, €1,200 monthly allowance, mentor support, networking events, and possible collaboration with ART X Lagos.
When is the application deadline and how do I apply?
Applications close on May 31, 2026. Submit your resume, portfolio, research statement, and passport copy via the official Cité internationale des arts RESONANCE page.
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