Announcing the 2015 AIR Shortlist

Congratulations to the 2015 Artists In Residency (AIR) finalists!

Since 2011, our AIR programme has provided artists across discipline (visual arts; literary arts; performing arts; music & film) with the opportunity to participate in residency programmes throughout the world. This is a direct response to the challenges many African artists confront related to both getting accepted and funding residency costs.

This year we received a record 423 complete applications across genres from 40 countries across the continent. This marked a giant leap from last year’s pool of applications. While the majority of the applications were pulled in from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Zimbabwe, we also welcomed applicants from new locations such as Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Madagascar, Rwanda and Sudan to name a few. The quality of submissions and the caliber of artists that applied was also exceptional with many applications from the more senior artists.

After a rigorous selection process that invited a panel of seasoned advisors to peruse each application and weigh in their recommendations, the Africa Centre team is proud to present its shortlist of 68 of the continent’s most provocative, innovative and socially engaged artists to be considered for 15 residency opportunities available through partnerships with the following residencies: Bundanon Trust (Australia); Fountainhead (USA); Instituto Sacatar (Brazil); JIWAR Creation & Society (Spain); Khoj International Artists’ Association (India); Kuona Trust Arts Centre (Kenya); Nafasi Arts Space (Tanzania); & The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center (Italy). Curating this list was an exciting journey through the ambitions and aspirations of some of the continent’s greatest art practitioners. It has been exciting to see the level of art that is being produced on the continent and the continued commitment of artists to further their practice and make a significant mark on their communities both locally and internationally.

To the 68 shortlisted artists, congratulations!

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