32° East Studio Residency

32° East Studio Residency offers artists, architects, researchers, and curators a rare opportunity to work alongside an active sustainable construction site in Uganda’s vibrant capital, Kampala. This unique artist residency program combines dedicated studio space with immersive learning about innovative African architecture and environmentally conscious building practices.

Residency at the Heart of Sustainable Construction

Located on an active building site where Phase II construction is underway, residents at 32° East experience firsthand how contemporary African architecture emerges—from studying architectural plans by acclaimed New Makers Bureau to creating compressed earth bricks with sustainable construction specialists Localworks Uganda. This paid studio residency directly supports the completion of 32° East’s expanded facilities, with all rental proceeds funding the organization’s construction goals.

Artists work in private, lockable studios with 24-hour access while observing and participating in sustainable building methods including rammed earth construction and compressed earth brick production. The active construction environment creates a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere where artistic practice intersects with architecture, material innovation, and community building.

Comprehensive Studio Facilities & Resources

32° East provides professional-grade facilities designed specifically for contemporary art production and research:

Studio Infrastructure:

• Private, secure studio space with round-the-clock access
• Climate-appropriate workspace in Kampala’s tropical environment
• Lockable storage for materials and completed works
• Flexible layout accommodating diverse artistic practices

Technical Equipment:

• iMac workstations loaded with Adobe Creative Suite and Final Cut Pro
• High-quality scanner for documentation and digital work
• Professional projector for presentations and video art
• Medium-format camera for photography projects
• Digital printers for proofs and documentation

Research Resources:

• Specialized art library focused on African contemporary art
• International art journals, magazines, and catalogues
• Extensive book collection covering African art history and theory
• DVD archive of artist documentaries and exhibition documentation

Community Spaces:

• Outdoor meeting and discussion areas for critiques and conversations
• Communal gathering spaces for resident interaction
• Weekly one-on-one or group critique sessions with visiting curators
• Monthly 32° East Members meetups (access to 100+ creative professionals)

Active Construction Site: A Living Laboratory

The residency’s unique positioning alongside Phase II construction offers unprecedented access to sustainable building innovation. Residents can:

• Study detailed architectural plans from New Makers Bureau, pioneers of climate-responsive African architecture
• Participate in compressed earth brick production with Localworks Uganda
• Observe rammed earth construction techniques adapted for tropical climates
• Document the construction process through photography, video, or research
• Engage with architects, engineers, and construction specialists
• Explore material studies and architectural experimentation

Important Note: Studios operate alongside active construction during the residency period. While comprehensive safety measures maintain separation between artistic workspace and building activities, residents should expect construction noise and activity. This environment suits artists interested in process, materiality, and the intersection of art and architecture.

Mentorship & Professional Development

32° East emphasizes career development and artistic growth through:

• Direct mentorship from 32° East staff and previous resident artists
• Weekly critique sessions (individual or group format)
• Visiting professional access to arts managers, curators, international journalists, and collectors
• Networking opportunities with Uganda’s contemporary art community
• Collaboration potential with 100+ 32° East members (artists, designers, cultural producers)
• Documentation services through professional photography of work and process

International Artist Support

For artists traveling from outside Uganda, 32° East provides:

• Paid accommodation (included in residency)
• Introduction to Kampala’s art scene, galleries, and cultural sites
• Orientation to local resources, materials suppliers, and fabrication services
• Connection with Uganda’s creative community
• Logistical support for materials sourcing and project realization

Residency Philosophy: Flexible, Career-Focused Growth

Unlike rigid programmatic structures, 32° East residencies adapt to individual artist needs. The program supports:

• Concept development for new bodies of work
• Medium exploration and technical skill expansion
• Intensive research in African contemporary art contexts
• Production-focused residencies for ambitious project completion
• Architectural and material studies leveraging the construction site
• Curatorial research drawing on Uganda’s vibrant art ecosystem

Previous residents have developed significant new bodies of work, advanced their technical practices, and deepened their engagement with African contemporary art discourse. The flexible duration (1-12 months) allows artists to customize their residency to project requirements.

Uganda’s Contemporary Art Hub

Kampala has emerged as East Africa’s most dynamic contemporary art center, with a thriving gallery scene, active artist collectives, and international attention. 32° East anchors this ecosystem, hosting exhibitions, talks, screenings, and community events that connect residents to Uganda’s creative energy.

Kampala Context:

• Growing contemporary art market with galleries like Afriart Gallery and Umoja Art Gallery
• Active artist-run spaces and collectives
• International biennial and exhibition participation
• Access to traditional craft communities and materials
• Tropical climate year-round
• English widely spoken
• Vibrant music, film, and performance scenes

Application & Contact

Interested artists, architects, researchers, and curators should apply through the 32° East website or email application materials to info@32east.org with subject line: 32 RESIDENCY_[YOUR SURNAME]

For more information about previous residents and their projects: https://32east.org/artists/