Open call: Sasa Nairobi Artist Fellowship 2024-25

Sasa Nairobi Artist Fellowship is part of the Goethe-Institut Nairobi’s visual art programme that aims at giving artists the space and resources to present concept-based exhibitions. The two-year programme attempts to bridge the gap between artistic scholarship, research and practice and is designed to provide structured support to mid-career artists and curators to help them advance to the next stage in their careers. 

The fellowship will take the form of:

• Lectures on specific topics such as art history, African modernism and the various art movements and key advancements in the African art scene.
• Introduction to performance art, public art and concepts in sculpture.
• Exploring theories and advancements in curatorial practice.
• In-person and online presentations by guest artists, cultural practitioners and various thought leaders from Kenya and abroad.
• Group discussions, reading groups and presentations.
• Writing workshops. 
• One-on-one mentorship sessions and consultation.
• Career enhancement excursions such as visits to artist studios, art exhibitions and private collections.
• Opt-in practical sessions on how to find, apply for and manage artistic grants and how to handle and hang artwork.
• Possible road trip to Kampala, Uganda. 

Fellowship structure 

Applicants are requested to demonstrate a clear vision for the next stage of their professional or artistic practice and how they would benefit from this opportunity. Shortlisted candidates will be selected based on the merit of their artwork and a demonstrated ability to reach stated goals. The selection committee will comprise two representatives from the Goethe-Institut as well as an independent board of three artistic advisors. Five artists will be selected to receive a full range of career support during the two-year fellowship period.

March – December 2024: The first year is envisioned to focus more on learning, exploration, experimentation and sharpening of the artist’s research questions. This year, each artist will receive a stipend of 10 000 Kenya shillings ($63) per month for a period of 10 months and a total material/research budget of Ksh25 000. This will also include a library membership card to allow access to the Goethe-Institut art books collection.

Physical presence will be required during the following tentative time slots: 

• March: Two weeks
• April: One week
• June: One week
• August: Two weeks
• October: One week
• November: One week
• December: Group presentation/exhibition
• January – November 2025: In the second year, each artist will receive the financial support to be able to realise a solo exhibition at the Goethe-Institut or any of its affiliate spaces. The grant will cater for production costs, artist fees as well as any space-related costs. 

How to apply

The following documents will be required: 

Document one: Vision/artistic goals

 One document answering the following questions (maximum three pages):

• Please describe your current body of work. Please explain how it fits into your larger artistic practice.
• What is your vision for the next level of your artistic practice?
• Please describe a goal you would like to achieve and/or a project you would like to complete during the two-year fellowship. What resources and support do you need to achieve the next level described?

Document two: Artist bio and statement

Combined on one document (maximum two pages).

Document three: Portfolio (any format desired) 

In the case that you do not have a standard portfolio, you may include links to your website or social media pages in the artist bios.

Applications can be sent to goethe.kenya@gmail.com before 28 January 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted before 12 February 2024.

There is no specified format for the application documents. All requested documents must be submitted in English, in one email for the application to be considered as complete. 

View the original call here.