The Bag Factory Artist Residency will enable an emerging artist based in Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe to undertake a fully funded residency at the Bag Factory in Johannesburg from 1 September to 30 November 2021.
The residency is part of Art Connection Africa, a programme supported by KfW Stiftung in collaboration with Triangle Network, aiming to stimulate exchanges within the Southern Africa region where a number of the Triangle Network partners are located and have contributed to the development of a local art scene. The residency will offer the selected candidate an opportunity for professional development, research, and production of new work in a dynamic context that promotes dialogue, experimentation, and innovation in the visual arts.
The Bag Factory is an independent Non-Profit Organisation that provides a community and studio space for practicing visual artists. With a focus on an exchange of ideas and innovation, Bag Factory hosts resident artists’ studios and develops a programme of international residencies, exhibitions, specialist skills workshops and audience outreach activities and events. The Bag Factory has been supporting and promoting the visual arts in South Africa since 1991. It is affiliated with the Triangle Network.
Offered by the residency
- Accommodation (self-contained room with own bathroom and basic kitchenette).
- A studio at the Bag Factory.
- Basic living expenses.
- Materials budget.
- Economy return flights, visa, health insurance and Covid-19 testing as required.
- Local travel budget.
- Inclusion in an open studio or exhibition curated by Bag Factory or external curators (content and format will be discussed during the residency as it will vary according to concept, media etc).
- Administrative and peer support is also provided for all participating artists.
Selection and Eligibility
The residency is open to contemporary visual artists working in all disciplines based in Botswana, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, and under the age of 45. Artists producing high quality work who have not had the opportunity to work in South Africa will be prioritised. Applicants should have at least a moderate level of spoken English, and should feel comfortable engaging in (public) artistic discussions in English. It is important that all applicants research Bag Factory thoroughly before submitting their application so as to be fully aware of the context which they would, if successful, be entering. One must note the building’s restricted facilities.
