This opportunity is for an emerging artist from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and offers a fully funded 12-week residency at Studio Voltaire in London, from 1 April to 27 June 2027.

Studio Voltaire’s Residencies Programme provides valuable opportunities for self-directed artistic and professional development, exchange and experimentation. Our residencies are non-prescriptive, offering artists the space, time and resources to research and advance ongoing projects or produce new work.

The resident will live and work in one of Studio Voltaire’s purpose-built residency studios, situated within our vibrant community of 51 onsite artists.

Studio Voltaire fosters an essential artistic community in South London, offering high-quality, light-filled studios for our onsite and resident artists, alongside dedicated professional development programmes. 

This fully funded opportunity will provide studio provision, a stipend to support living expenses, materials, research and production budget, plus funds for public events, dissemination, and access costs.

The successful applicant will also receive pastoral and curatorial support from Studio Voltaire’s Studios and Residencies team throughout their residency, alongside organised professional development and mentoring opportunities.

Artists are expected to approach the residency with a self-directed and self-motivated attitude, making the most of their time in London. Any outcomes of the residency will be shared through open studios and public programme events, developed collaboratively by the artist and Studio Voltaire’s curatorial team.

The residency comprises:

• 24-hour access to a fully accessible private Live/Work Residency Studio at Studio Voltaire, alongside other visiting artists and Studio Voltaire’s onsite artist community.
• A stipend of £2,400 to support living expenses.
• A materials, research, and production budget, plus funds for public events, dissemination, and access costs.
• All travel and visa costs are covered, and support during the visa application process.
• An Open Studio event showcasing the work and research developed during the residency, with access to dedicated international arts audiences through Studio Voltaire’s diverse public programmes.
• Dedicated pastoral care from the Curator (Studios & Residencies), with further support from the wider staff team during office hours.
• Access to a bespoke professional development, networking, and mentoring programme, offering extensive opportunities through Studio Voltaire’s exceptional network of peers, collaborators, and supporters, fostering meaningful validation and career progression.
• A dedicated residency page on Studio Voltaire’s website, including a short video interview for our social media channels.
• Social events with our community of studio artists and cultural tenants, as well as opportunities to connect beyond the immediate community.
• Access to Studio Voltaire’s workshop, AV equipment, and event spaces.
• A prepaid travel card (TFL zone 1–2) for unlimited travel within central London for the duration of the residency.

Location

Studio Voltaire, 1A Nelsons Row, London SW4 7JR, United Kingdom.

Accessibility

All studios are wheelchair-accessible with step-free access and offer 24-hour entry for artists.

Residency Period

April–June 2027

Selection and Eligibility 

This residency is open to visual artists across all disciplines who are from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Applicants should not be currently enrolled in formal education, and we are unable to accept applications from artist collectives.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from artists who have not previously undertaken a residency outside of Africa.

Applicants should feel comfortable discussing their practice in English. Candidates should demonstrate how they intend to engage with Studio Voltaire’s artistic community, local context, and programme, as well as London’s wider cultural landscape. Within their application, artists are asked to outline their specific research interests and plans for the residency period.

Studio Voltaire’s building is fully accessible, including our onsite live/work residency space.

Selection Process and How to Apply

The selected artist will be evaluated and chosen based on their application. Studio Voltaire assembles selection panels with in-depth knowledge of the contemporary art scenes in both the UK and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The panel includes representatives from Studio Voltaire as well as external advisors.

To apply for this residency:

1. Please complete this application form. We are happy to accept applications written with or by proxy or non-written formats (e.g. video or audio responses).
2. Please include a single PDF containing up to 10 images and/or links to up to 5 moving image or sound files
3. Your artist CV (one PDF, 2 pages maximum)
4. Please submit your application via email to studiosandresidencies@studiovoltaire.org 

Deadline for applications:

23:59 GMT, Sunday 13 December 2026. Please note that applications received after this date will not be considered.

Access

• We welcome enquiries and are happy to discuss measures to make our residencies accessible to everyone. 
• If you have specific access requirements and need support making your application, please be in touch

For questions about access requirements or facilities, please contact studiosandresidencies@studiovoltaire.org. 

Timeline:

• Application Deadline: 23:59 GMT, Sunday 13 December 2026. 
• Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by Monday 18 January 2027. Due to the high volume of applications expected, we regret that we are unable to respond individually or provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants.