Apply for the 2024 International Artist Residency by Obodo Nigeria in Lagos, Nigeria.

The Obodo International Artist Residency (Obodo Oma), invites applications from Black diaspora artists to collaborate with Nigerian artists, focusing on the intersection of arts and human rights and how the former can be leveraged in dealing with societal norms and prejudices while advocating for LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria and beyond.

Selected artists will look at the role art plays in challenging narratives surrounding gender and sexual minorities while exploring the therapeutic potential of art. Their selected project will focus on the importance of community as a means of providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in Nigeria and include elements that contribute to long-term community support and resource sharing. They will also collaborate with local artists, engage in workshops, conversations, and have an exhibition of their work towards the end of their residency.

Residency Details

The residency’s location is Lagos, Nigeria, and three fully funded International artists will get to spend a month each as an artist-in-residence, between August and November 2024.

Benefits

• Fully funded residency, which includes a stipend for the duration of stay, travel expenses, accommodation, and support for project materials.

• Work alongside Nigerian artists to create impactful art projects.

• Interact with members of the Nigerian LGBTQ+ community, and get to explore what Lagos has to offer.

• Contribute to a documentation project aimed at preserving queer arts and stories in Nigeria.

Eligibility Criteria

• The residency is open to Black diaspora artists working in any medium (visual arts, writing, digital media, etc.)

• Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, with projects having a clear path for continuous engagement after the duration of the residency; this includes but isn’t limited to creating digital platforms, establishing community art centers, and training emerging local artists.

• Willingness to collaborate with Nigerian artists, and engage in cross-cultural exchange.

• Ability to stay in Lagos for the duration of the residency.