The Goethe-Institut Nairobi announces open call for the inaugural Sasa Nairobi Artist Fellowship
Five artists will be selected to receive a full range of career support during the two-year Fellowship period.
The Goethe-Institut Nairobi has announced the inaugural Sasa Nairobi Artist Fellowship, a part of its Visual art programme aimed at giving artists the space and resources to present concept-based exhibitions.
The announcement stated, “The fellowship programme attempts to bridge the gap between artistic scholarship, research, and practise and is designed to provide structured support to mid-career artists and curators to help them advance to the next stage in their careers.”
Per the statement, the fellowship will feature lectures, talks, and workshops on various art forms and their history, career enhancement excursions to artist studios, art exhibitions, and private collections, practical sessions on how to find, apply for, and manage artistic grants; how to handle and hang artwork, mentorship sessions and consultation, a possible road trip to Kampala, Uganda and a lot more.
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 2 representatives from the Goethe-Institut as well as an independent Board of 3 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. In this year, each artist will receive a stipend of Ksh 10,000 per month for a period of 10 months and a total material/research budget of Ksh 25,000. 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: 2 weeks; April: 1 week; June: 1 week.
August: 2 weeks; October: 1 week; November: 1 week.
December: Group Presentation / Exhibition.
January - November 2025: In the second year, each artist will receive the financial support to be able to realize 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.
Application Requirement
The following documents will be required:
Document 1: Vision/Artistic Goals
One Document answering the following questions: (maximum 3 pages)
A description of your current body of work. Explain how it fits into your larger artistic practice.
What is your vision for the next level of your artistic practice?
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 2: Artist Bio and statement (Combined on one document; Maximum 2 pages)
Attach your artist bio and statement.
Document 3: 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.
How to Apply
Applications can be sent to goethe.kenya@gmail.com before 28th January 2024.
Shortlisted applicants will be contacted before 12th February 2024.
There is no specified format for the application documents. All requested documents must be submitted in English, in one E-mail for the application to be considered as complete.
Application Deadline: 28th January 2024.
Visit the announcement page for additional details. Also, follow Goethe Kenya for further updates.
