Open Arts Residency

A flexible residency programme offering time, space, and community for artists, writers, and cultural practitioners at the Open Arts Space in Kaduna.

Open Arts Residency

The Open Arts Residency is a flexible artist residency program designed to support artists, writers, and cultural practitioners seeking time, space, and community to develop their work. The residency provides a supportive environment for creative research, artistic production, and engagement with the wider cultural community in Kaduna.

The program is structured into self-funded residency options and a free short-stay residency opportunity for selected applicants.

Bright bedroom at Open Arts Space with green bedding, striped duvet, and patterned curtains

1. Self-Funded Residency

The Open Arts Self-Funded Residency is open to artists and cultural practitioners who would like to spend dedicated time working on their creative practice within the Open Arts Space. It is for creatives with their own income or who are able to get direct support from academic institutions, public funders, sponsors or foundations.

Neatly made bed with olive green sheets, striped pillows, and patterned curtains by the window

What Does Open Arts Provide?

Residents will receive access to:

Accessible accommodation facilities: A fully furnished single room and bathroom in the Open Arts Space with access to Wi-Fi and a private work desk.
A shared/communal kitchen
A shared/communal working space
On-site library and resources
The chance to engage with the creative community at Open Arts
Structured mentorship on request
Participation in Open Arts public programs, discussions, and exhibitions
Possibility of hosting an artist talk, workshop, or open studio
Opportunity to engage with the local creative ecosystem.

Specific resources available may vary depending on the duration and nature of the residency.

The Self-Funded Residency is independent and self-directed, perfect for creatives looking to focus on their work, research or development of concepts. It is a time to nurture the growth of ideas and experiment without expectation or obligation.

Room with desk, vintage typewriter, cactus plant, and patterned curtains at Open Arts Space

Expectations of the Resident

Arrange their own transport to Kaduna; visas and other immigration details included.
Work with the Open Arts Team to deliver a public-facing event if staying for more than 1 week.

Bedroom with pallet-style wooden bed frame, green and white bedding, desk lamp, and area rug

Duration Options and Payment Plans

Duration	Residency fee
Per week	₦50,000
Per month	₦200,000
3 months	₦500,000

Note: For artists interested in even longer-term stays, beyond three months, arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the Open Arts team directly to discuss possibilities. The residency fees go towards covering cleaning, operating and administrative costs and staffing. Feeding is not covered by the Open Arts Space unless specifically requested and paid for.

Outdoor patio with pink bistro furniture, potted plants, and vine-covered pergola with string lights

When to apply?

Applications are open on a rolling basis year-round. When slots are filled for the year, spaces for upcoming years will open.

2. Free Short-Stay Residencies for Artists in Need

Open Arts offers a limited free short-stay residency for artists who may not have the financial means to participate in the self-funded residency.

This residency is 1 week at a maximum, and priority will be given to artists who show great creative potential and an urgent need.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and selections will be based on:

Artistic merit
Relevance of the proposed project
Potential engagement with the Open Arts community

Garden patio with pink metal table and chairs under a wooden trellis and fairy lights

Sunlit courtyard with greenery, pink outdoor seating, and chalkboard wall

3. Who Can Apply for Open Arts Residencies

Visual artists
Writers and poets
Curators
Researchers
Cultural practitioners and interdisciplinary artists

Applicants from Nigeria, Africa, and the Global South are encouraged to apply.

4. Expected Engagement

Residents may be invited to contribute to the Open Arts community through activities such as:

Artist talks
Workshops or skill-sharing sessions
Open studio presentations
Participation in public conversations or exhibitions

These engagements help foster dialogue and collaboration within the artistic ecosystem.

Library at Open Arts Space with wooden bookshelves, low white shelving, and books under a bright window

5. Application Information

Applicants will typically be required to submit:

Artist bio
Portfolio or writing samples
Residency proposal or statement of intent
Preferred residency dates

To apply or ask questions, please email info@openartsworld.org.