The RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026 for Nigerian-Based Creatives
The RESONANCE Residency Programme is now accepting applications from Nigerian-based creatives for a prestigious three-month residency in Paris, France. This annual initiative is co-constructed by Cité Internationale des Arts, ART X Lagos, and the French Embassy in Nigeria. The programme aims to foster mobility and expand the professional networks of creatives within the Nigerian art scene.
🏛️ About the Programme
The RESONANCE Residency Programme offers Nigerian-based curators, visual artists, and designers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant cultural environment of Paris. Participants will benefit from mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform to develop their research projects.
🎁 Benefits
Curator Award Winner
- Residency Period: October 2, 2026 – December 28, 2026
- Location: Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris, France
- Benefits:
- Round-trip transportation to and from Paris (economy class, one luggage; visa and insurance not included)
- A live-in studio at the Marais or Montmartre site
- Monthly living allowance of €1,200
- Dedicated mentorship with a France-based curator
- Visits and networking opportunities organized by Cité Internationale des Arts
- Potential collaboration opportunities with ART X Lagos on future editions
Visual Artist Award Winner
- Residency Period: November 3, 2026 – January 28, 2027
- Includes all benefits listed above.
Designer Award Winner
- Residency Period: November 3, 2026 – January 28, 2027
- Includes all benefits listed above.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
For Curators:
- Must live and work in Nigeria.
- Must be 23 years or older as of January 1, 2026.
- Must have at least 5 years of experience in curatorial practices (minimum of two exhibitions curated and two publications in referenced art media).
- Must commit fully to the residency period and the development of their research project.
For Visual Artists:
- Open to all disciplines within the field of visual arts (plastic arts, digital arts, photography, performance).
- Must live and work in Nigeria.
- Must be 23 years or older as of January 1, 2026.
- Must have at least 2 years of experience in artistic practices.
- Must commit fully to the residency period and the development of their research project.
For Designers:
- Open to all disciplines (furniture, object, digital, and print design).
- Must live and work in Nigeria.
- Must be 23 years or older as of January 1, 2026.
- Must demonstrate a commitment to professional and research practices.
- Must commit fully to the residency period and the development of their research project.
General Requirements:
- Applicants must possess a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity after travel.
- Must be able to travel abroad and fully commit to the residency period.
📝 Application Process
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
- Resume: Presenting academic and professional background, including contact and postal address (maximum 4 pages).
- Portfolio: Explaining curatorial, artistic, or design approach and showcasing recent projects (5–20 pages).
- Research Focus Statement: Outlining research angles to be developed during the residency, including a residency brief and a list of artists, experts, or cultural institutions for collaboration (maximum 3 pages).
- Optional:
- A video link representative of your work (maximum 3 minutes), OR
- A letter of recommendation supporting your project (maximum 1 page).
- Valid Passport: With at least 6 months of validity after travel.
📅 Application Deadline
31 May, 2026
🌟 Additional Information
For more details about the programme, visit the official website of Cité Internationale des Arts.
✉️ Contact Information
For inquiries, please contact the organizers through the official website of Cité Internationale des Arts.
- 3-month residency at Cité internationale des arts, Paris, France
- Transportation (round trip) and one luggage
- Monthly living allowance of €1,200
- Dedicated support and dialogue with a France-based curator
- Networking opportunities organized by Cité internationale des arts



