The RESONANCE Residency Programme 2026 is open to visual artists, designers, and curators of all nationalities who live and work in Nigeria.
This annual programme is co-constructed by ART X Lagos, Cité internationale des arts, and the Embassy of France in Nigeria / Institut Français du Nigeria. Moreover, it offers a fully financed three-month residency in Paris with mentorship and professional networking.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: From 07 to 31 May 2026
Eligible Countries: Nigeria
Program Duration: Three-month residency. 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.
Program Location: Paris, France (Marais site of the Cité internationale des arts)
Funding/Benefits: A monthly living allowance (1200 euros)
Award Provider: Cité internationale des arts
About this Program
RESONANCE is an annual residency programme hosted by Cité internationale des arts. It is designed for Nigerian-based creatives in visual arts, design, and curatorial practice.
Each year, the programme selects 3 residents: one visual artist, one designer, and one curator. In addition, selected fellows spend three months in Paris developing a research project and engaging with the local cultural ecosystem.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme is open to:
Curators
- of all nationalities who live and work in Nigeria;
- who are aged over 23 on January 1st of 2026;
- who can justify at least 5 years of experience in curatorial practices (minimum of two exhibitions curated and two publications in referenced art media);
- who can fully commit during the residency period to the development of their research project with the mentor, and to connecting with the Cité’s environment.
Artists of all disciplines within the field of visual arts (plastic arts, digital arts, photography, performance)
- of all nationalities who live and work in Nigeria;
- who are aged over 23 on January 1st of 2026;
- who can demonstrate at least 2 years of experience in artistic practices in their portfolio;
- who can fully commit during the residency period to the development of their research project with the mentor, and to connecting with the Cité’s environment.
Designers of all disciplines (furniture, object, digital and print):
- of all nationalities who live and work in Nigeria;
- who are aged over 23 on January 1st of 2026;
- who can demonstrate a commitment to the practice as a professional and a researcher;
- who can fully commit during the residency period to the development of their research project with the mentor, and to connecting with the Cité’s environment.
All applicants should have a valid passport and able to travel abroad and fully commit to the residency at the dedicated period of time.
What Fellows Receive: A live-in studio at the Marais site, mentorship with a France-based professional, organized visits and networking opportunities, a monthly living allowance of 1200 euros, and travel fees to and from Paris covered.
Program Components Fully commit during the residency period to the development of the research project with the mentor; connect with the Cité’s environment; and engage in visits and networking opportunities organized by Cité internationale des arts.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit their application through the official application form before the deadline. Also, prepare the required materials carefully and ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months after travel.
- Resume presenting academic and professional background, contact and postal address (maximum 4 pages)
- Portfolio explaining curatorial, artistic or design approach and presenting one or more recent projects representative of the work (5 to maximum 20 pages)
- Research Focus statement explaining the research angles to develop during the residency, including a residency brief with a list of artists, experts or cultural institutions for collaboration (maximum 3 pages)
- Optional: video link representative of the work (maximum 3 mins) OR a letter of recommendation supporting the curatorial, design or artistic project at Cité Internationale des Arts (maximum 1 page)
- Valid passport with 6 months of validity after travel
Application form: https://form.jotform.com/ARTXLagos/Resonance2026
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
