Artist Residency

Through grants to artists, and in partnership with esteemed organizations such as Denniston Hill (Upstate NY), the Joan Mitchell Center (New Orleans) and others, AO! cultivates emerging and established artists from Africa and its Diaspora in an artist-in-residence programs in New York City and inspired places like upstate New York and New Orleans, LA  respectively. Each artist is awarded a $5,000 cash grant (for travel, materials and food) and a home in Brooklyn and dedicated studio and home in our partner locales  for the duration of their residency.

Each residency opportunity is announced in December with an open call for submissions, and the final artists are chosen by a selection committee of top art world professionals, including, curators, gallerists, museum administrators and of course artists. 

Emerging and mid-career visual artists, 25 years and older, who are African or of the Diaspora are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate a significant body of work that reflects their active commitment to their practice. While one is not required to have an extensive history of exhibitions, we do require demonstrable proof of a devoted practice and understanding of how one’s work fits into a discussion of contemporary African art.

Based upon submitted materials, the artist selected will be chosen without preference over race, color, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.