Open Call for Artists from Portugal and Portuguese-Speaking African Nations

Deadline: 04-Oct-2026

The Delfina Foundation invites contemporary visual artists from Portugal and Portuguese-speaking African countries to apply for a fully funded summer residency in London. The residency aims to support artistic development, international exchange, research, and professional engagement. Selected artists will take part in an immersive twelve-week programme from 28 June to 17 September 2027, coinciding with Delfina Foundation’s open summer season dedicated to independent research.

About the Delfina Foundation Summer Residency

The residency provides contemporary visual artists with an opportunity to develop their artistic practice through research, exchange, and engagement with London’s cultural and creative community. The programme is designed to foster transnational connections and create opportunities for artists to interact with professionals working across the visual arts sector. Residents will participate in a structured programme while also having time to pursue their independent research and develop their artistic practice. What Does the Residency Include? The programme combines independent research with organised professional and cultural activities.

Residents can take part in:

- Guided visits to museums and galleries. - Visits to non-profit organisations and artist-run spaces. - Studio visits. - Trips to institutions outside London. - Presentations and events. - Opportunities to meet artists, curators, academics, and researchers. - Shared meals and informal exchanges with other residents. - Portfolio reviews. - Mentoring. - Collaborative exchanges. These activities are designed to encourage dialogue, knowledge sharing, professional development, and connections between residents and the wider artistic community. Residency Dates The fully funded residency will take place from: 28 June to 17 September 2027 The programme runs for twelve weeks and forms part of Delfina Foundation’s open summer season, which focuses on independent research. What Funding and Support Is Provided? Selected artists will receive a fully funded residency package covering key travel, accommodation, living, and artistic research costs.

The package includes:

- Return economy-class flight. - UK airport transfers. - Reimbursement of visa fees, where required. - Living allowance of £40 per day. - Materials budget of £1,200. - Travel pass for London’s public transport network. - Accommodation in a single bedroom at Delfina Foundation’s shared house. The funding is intended to allow selected artists to focus on their research and artistic development during the residency. Professional Development Opportunities Professional development is an important part of the residency programme. Residents can benefit from activities such as: - Portfolio reviews. - Mentoring. - Collaborative exchanges. - Studio visits. - Presentations and professional events. - Discussions with artists, curators, academics, and researchers. These opportunities are intended to strengthen artistic practices and encourage meaningful professional and intellectual exchange. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the programme’s nationality and residency requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be born in Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, or São Tomé and Príncipe. - Not currently be based in the UK. - Be contemporary visual artists. - Be seeking to develop their artistic practice through research. - Be able to explain how an international residency would benefit their career and professional networks. - Be proficient in English. Research and Artistic Practice Applicants should be interested in developing their practice through research and should be able to articulate how the residency would contribute to their artistic development. The residency provides time and resources for independent research while also offering access to professional networks and cultural institutions. Applicants should therefore clearly explain the proposed research direction and how participation in an international residency would strengthen their practice. English Language Requirement Applicants must be proficient in English. English proficiency is required because interviews and programme activities will be conducted in English. Applicants should therefore be comfortable communicating and participating in discussions, presentations, professional meetings, and other activities in English. Why the Delfina Foundation Residency Matters International residencies can provide artists with opportunities to encounter new artistic communities, develop professional relationships, conduct research, and gain exposure to different cultural contexts. The Delfina Foundation summer residency combines these opportunities with financial support for travel, accommodation, living expenses, materials, and local transport. The structured programme also allows selected artists to engage directly with artists, curators, academics, researchers, galleries, museums, and other cultural organisations. Key Facts About the Delfina Foundation Summer Residency 2027

- Programme: Delfina Foundation Summer Residency

- Year: 2027

- Location: London, UK

- Residency period: 28 June to 17 September 2027

- Duration: Twelve weeks

- Funding: Fully funded

- Eligible artists: Contemporary visual artists

- Eligible countries: Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe

- UK residency requirement: Applicants must not currently be based in the UK

- Living allowance: £40 per day

- Materials budget: £1,200

- Travel: Return economy-class flight and UK airport transfers

- Visa: Visa fees reimbursed where required

- Local transport: London public transport travel pass

- Accommodation: Single bedroom in Delfina Foundation’s shared house

- Language: English proficiency required

Frequently Asked Questions About the Delfina Foundation Summer Residency What is the Delfina Foundation Summer Residency? It is a fully funded twelve-week residency in London f