Fully Funded Paris Residency 2026 for Nigerian Curators, Artists and Designers

Nigerian creatives have a chance to spend three months in Paris on a fully funded residency. The RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026 offers this opportunity to curators, visual artists, and designers based in Nigeria. Organized by the Cité internationale des arts, ART X Lagos, and the French Embassy in Nigeria, it helps build skills and networks.

Program Overview

The RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026 supports Nigerian art scene members. It provides a stay at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris. Applicants can choose from three tracks: curatorial, visual arts, or design. Each track lasts three months and includes mentorship and events.

Residency Dates

The program runs at different times based on the track:

• Curatorial Residency: October 2 to December 28, 2026.
• Design Residency: November 3, 2026, to January 28, 2027.
• Visual Arts Residency: November 3, 2026, to January 28, 2027.

Applicants must commit fully to their residency period.

Eligibility Requirements

Open to people of all nationalities who live and work in Nigeria. All must be over 23 years old as of January 1, 2026, and hold a valid passport with at least six months validity after travel.

Curators need:

• At least five years of experience.
• Proof of two curated exhibitions and two publications in art media.

Visual artists (plastic arts, digital arts, photography, performance) need:

• At least two years of practice shown in a portfolio.

Designers (furniture, object, digital, print) need:

• Proof of professional and research commitment.

Everyone must focus on a research project and engage with the Cité’s community.

Benefits for Winners

All winners receive:

• A live-in studio at the Marais or Montmartre site.
• Round-trip economy flight to Paris (one luggage, excludes visa and insurance).
• €1,200 monthly living allowance.
• Mentorship from a France-based expert in their field.
• Visits and networking events by the Cité.
• Possible work with ART X Lagos later.

Curators stay from October 2 to December 28, 2026. Visual artists and designers stay from November 3, 2026, to January 28, 2027.

How to Apply

Submit these documents:

• Resume (max 4 pages) with background, contacts, and address.
• Portfolio (5-20 pages) showing approach and recent projects.
• Research statement (max 3 pages) on residency plans, including collaborators like artists or institutions.
• Optional: 3-minute video of work or one-page recommendation letter.
• Copy of valid passport.

Apply through the official webpage.

Deadline

Applications close on May 31, 2026. Start preparing your materials now to meet the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions