Welcome our sixth and final installment of our series, “Ceramic Residencies You Should Apply To”! Today’s article is going to cover the often overlooked continent of Africa. We’ve scoured the internet for residencies in this diverse region of the world, and we’re confident we’ve discovered some exciting opportunities that will have a lasting impact on your practice! As with the rest of the series, we’re focusing on residencies that offer ceramic-specific facilities, but we’ve also included some options for those of you looking for time to idea-generate, design, or simply be inspired.

1. Aba House, Cross Cultural Collaborative

Cross Cultural Collaborative, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization that promotes cultural exchange and understanding. Their programs emphasize multigenerational and multicultural collaborations, encouraging participants to find rewards in different forms of creativity. At the core of their program is the belief that interaction between African and non-African artists enriches the creativity of both groups. 

Where: Nungua, Ghana

When: Summer

Duration: 2 weeks

Facilities: Various, you will attend a number of workshops in different artists’ studios. The program also includes museum visits and other cultural events.

Technical Support: Yes, through guided workshops

Accommodation: Yes. They also provide breakfast and dinner.

Cost: $2,400.00 USD

Expectations: None

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Cross Culture Collaborative is a socially minded organization, so the funds from your fee go to support their two-fold mission of training local children to be self-sufficient by developing their sense of self-esteem and empowerment. By paying school related expenses, they encourage the children to stay in school and become productive members of society. They also work with indigenous artisans, pay them to conduct workshops at the residencies, and help them sell their traditional crafts.

2. Darb 1718

Nestled behind the ancient ruins of Roman, Islamic, and Coptic civilizations, Darb 1718 is an alive and modern contemporary art space complete with two contemporary art galleries, two live performance stages, large outdoor cinema, workshop areas, a roof lounge, an artist-in-residence studio, and living space. By forming strong ties with local craftsmen, young Egyptian artists, intellectuals, activists, and the rest of the world, Darb 1718 is maintaining a space founded on an otherwise unheard-of artistic heritage in stride with rapidly changing technologies and media—firmly building a network along the currents of change sweeping the world.

Where: Cairo, Egypt

When: Not specified

Duration: 1 week – 4 months

Facilities: Ceramic facilities available, specifics not listed

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Yes, private room or private apartment

Cost: 350 EUR/month for single room or 600 EUR/month for private studio

Expectations: None

Open to International Applicants: 

Unique Benefits: Darb 1718 thrives within a community of artists, craftsmen, pottery enthusiasts, and workshops. Many of these practitioners are dedicated to revitalizing traditional Egyptian techniques. The program also offers the option for workshops and exhibitions, depending on availability.

3. Driftwood Studios

Driftwood Studios is an art studio, pottery, and gallery with accommodation for artist residencies as well as those on holiday or business. The self-funded art residency facility was developed in 2007 by sculptor George Kockott and his wife Claire, situated by the Indian Ocean, near the city of East London, South Africa. There is a pottery, woodwork facilities, forge, shared Gallery space, as well as private art spaces that can be set up according to artist requirements. 

Where: East London, South Africa

When: Year round

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks

Facilities: Yes, fully equipped pottery facilities

Technical Support: Yes, art facilitator Claire is available to mentor and support you to achieve your creative goals and connect you with the local community. 

Accommodation: Accommodation is in two self-catering cottages in the grounds of the main house, or for shorter stays Driftwood Family Room in the family house can be used. Partners, friends and family are welcome.

Cost:$285 USD/week single or $335 USD/week for two for the minimum of a one week stay with a 12% reduction for stays of two months or more. Mid December to mid Jan is plus 10% due to high demand.

Expectations: Residents are asked to look after their environment, recycle, contribute organics to the garden compost, and use water sparingly.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Located in picturesque Rainbow valley, there is plenty of nature nearby for inspiration. Wild bushbuck, vervet monkeys, and many species of birds can be spotted in the garden and surrounding areas. The beach has beautiful pebbles, dramatic sand dunes, and marine life is abundant and the water attracts swimmers, divers, and surfers. It is near the finish line of the 5-day coastal Strandloper Trail. There are a range of other sandy and rocky beaches, game parks, and outdoor activity centers nearby. 

4. John Bauer Pottery

Artist John Bauer has been producing ceramics since the age of 12 and, almost 30 years later, he has opened up his home and studio at the Montebello Design Centre to provide a space for experimentation and innovation. John’s focus in ceramics is on material engineering, and John will facilitate you developing your own unique ceramic technologies and scaling your production. His focus is on “embracing the noble catastrophe” as fertile ground for artworks forging new frontiers.

Where: Cape Town, South Africa

When: Year round

Duration: 6 weeks or 3 months

Facilities: Access to work space in both John’s home studio (attached to the accommodation) and his studio at the Montebello Design Centre nearby in Newlands. This includes access to 5 large electric kilns, a top loading kiln and two small test kilns. 

Technical Support: Yes

Accommodation: Yes, you’ll get a private room with ensuite bathroom and access to a communal kitchen in Cape Town, Harfield Village.

Cost: Six Week Residency: R33,600 (~$2,000 USD); Three month Residency: R72,000 (~$4,600 USD)

Expectations: Participate fully in the daily operations and upkeep of studios, Lead one workshops on a topic of your choice at the Montebello Design Centre, and assist with and interact with visitors and customers at the Montebello Design Centre.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: As part of this program you’ll also have access to a network of world-class ceramicists in Cape Town for networking and collaboration opportunities.

5. Slimane Sanctuary

Located on a permaculture farm and animal sanctuary, Slimane seeks artists who find pleasure in engaging in art with a holistic approach and respect for the natural world. Artists are encouraged to develop and experiment in their medium while creating works that thematically contribute to the functionality and aesthetic of the various aspects of the property.

Where: Outside Marrakech, Morocco

When: Year round

Duration: 1-3 months

Facilities: Ceramic facilities available, details not provided

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Yes

Cost: Not stated

Expectations: Artists are obliged to donate a piece of work created during their time at the residency and conducive to Sanctuary Slimane’s mission. Art created while at the residency not intended to stay on-site will be showcased for merchandising, artist promotion, or be donated back to the artist.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Opportunities to visit the old city Medina to meet local artisans and learn about their craft and techniques unique to Moroccan culture will be arranged on an ongoing basis specific to the artists’ program.

6. Olepangi Farm

The Olepangi Artist-in-Residence Programme is designed to create a space where people and communities come together to share and learn; and for the artist, to create an exceptional experience for those seeking the time and mental space to investigate new ideas and deepen artistic inquiry. The program is open to thinkers and creatives and will consider anyone with deep interest and already well-developed skill in visual arts, writing, culinary arts, composers, musicians, scholars, filmmakers, architects, and more.

Where: Laikipia County, Kenya

When: Year round

Duration: 6 weeks and up to 18 weeks

Facilities: Minimal, you’ll be offered an artists’ perch overlooking the valley with table and chair. For ceramic artists, this residency is best suited for idea generation, drawing/design, and inspiration.

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Accommodation for artists and partners is in semi-permanent tents with adjoining bathrooms and solar hot-water heated showers. There is currently no power or internet in the tents. The farm is completely off-grid but there is reliable power and internet connectivity in the communal spaces. Your private tent will be cleaned at least once a week. Linens are provided. Laundry is done weekly.

All daily meals are cooked and served in a beautiful, small lodge by an amazing kitchen team. The food is stunning; fresh, organic, and healthy. With this mind, artists are asked to engage with guests during at least one meal a day by sharing aspects of their work and contributing to stimulating conversation. 

Cost: $350 USD per person per week

Expectations: Artists are to engage in at least one community activity/project to be defined and agreed upon at the beginning of the residency. This might include a series of talks or engagement in art with one of the local schools we support or short apprenticeships with local people in the area. 

At least one blog of your time and reflections at the farm to be published on our social media and to engage in social media (at least 3x per week tagging @olepangifarm)

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: The farm is located in close proximity to a number of incredible parks and walks, including Samburu National Reserve, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Lolldaigas, Mt Kenya, Ngare Ndare Forest plus much more. Elephant, giraffe, zebra, and other plains game are regularly sighted from the farm across the valley.

7. Cafe Tissardmine

Cafe Tissardmine offers up to 9 artists a 24 day residency with no specific outcome required. There are opportunities to work with the children in the village and engage in village life. The program is designed recognizing the many demands put on artists, and so the intention at Cafe Tissardmine is to provide a space for the artist to get re-inspired and to just breathe. 

Where: Tissardmine, Morocco

When: Varies, check website for available dates

Duration: 3.5 weeks

Facilities: One shared studio, no specific ceramic facilities

Technical Support: Not stated

Accommodation: Accommodation is a single room with double bed, desk, and own bathroom. All meals are provided. Excursions and vehicle with driver are available for an extra cost.

Cost: 950EUR

Expectations: None

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Situated in an oasis, the tiny traditional Berber village of Tissardmine, comprising of 20 houses, is a short drive or long walk away from one of the Sahara’s most extraordinary natural phenomenons, Erg Chebbi, a large dune stretching 22 kms long and 5 kms wide and peaking up to 150 meters high. A day trip to this dune is included in your stay.

8. Tafaria Castle & Centre for the Arts

Tafaria Centre for the Arts is a multidisciplinary center in Kenya incorporating accommodation for creatives, visual arts studios, fashion studios, photography cyclorama room with a green screen, beauty studios, art galleries, ceramics studio, music & film recording & post-production studios, metal & wood workshops, conference rooms with video facilities, an auditorium, a culinary studio with a canteen, and a wide range of recreational activities plus a country lodge. The residency is set in a secluded and inspiring rural location with plenty of recreational facilities and game parks.

Where: Between Nyeri & Nyahururu, Kenya

When: Year round

Duration: 1-6 months

Facilities: Ceramic studio (equipment specifics not listed), and private studio space

Technical Support: not stated

Accommodation: Yes, there is private accommodation, with kitchen, space for partners, internet, 

Meals, and cleaning provided

Cost: Contact them for details

Expectations: Tafaria art residency program is geared towards using applied art to drive social and economic change in rural communities. As such, your residency application should bear in mind a positive impact on rural communities.

Open to International Applicants: Yes

Unique Benefits: Located in a castle on a hill overlooking Mt Kenya & the Laikipia Plains, you will not be short on inspiration. The program also hosts up to 20 artists at a time, so if you are looking to build your artistic community, this residency is for you!

This concludes our tour of African residencies for ceramic artists, as well as our world-wide residency tour with this series. After viewing this list we know you’ll be excited to apply to at least one of these programs in this beautiful region of the world. And in case you missed out on the rest of this globe-trotting series, click to read our North America, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, Asian, and Central & South American lists! 

If you’d like to know more about artist residencies in general and the benefits they offer ceramic artists, head on over to our article Discover the World of Ceramic Residencies. We’ll show you how to apply, as well as what you can take away from these life changing experiences!

If you’ve been fortunate enough to participate in the residencies mentioned above, let us know your experience in the comments below! And be sure to read all about The Ceramic School’s very own artist residency in Austria!