Arthouse Foundation Artist Residency Programme - Lagos
Arthouse Foundation Artist Residency Programme – Lagos, Nigeria
First Dedicated Artist Residency in Nigeria with 3-Month Live/Work Studios and Public Programming
Overview
Arthouse Foundation is a non-profit artist residency programme established in 2015 as Nigeria’s first dedicated artist residency, offering 3-month live/work sessions for two artists simultaneously throughout the year in the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos. Founded by Kavita Chellaram—Indian-born, London-educated art collector who established Arthouse Contemporary (West Africa’s leading auction house) and kó art gallery—the Foundation provides studio space, mentorship, art materials, and logistical support for creation of new artistic projects engaging Lagos. With two residency apartments at 28 Norman Williams Street, the programme offers NGN 50,000 monthly stipend ($32 USD) plus NGN 100,000 production budget ($65 USD), while requiring intensive public programming (workshop, artist talk, roundtable discussion, open studios) culminating in end-of-year exhibition with 50/50 sales split and donation of one artwork to Foundation collection. Having organized 30+ residencies since 2015, Arthouse Foundation serves as platform for cross-cultural exchange between Nigerian and international artists.
Founder: Kavita Chellaram
Background & Journey
Born: India
Education: London-educated
Migration: Moved to Nigeria with family
Professional Evolution:
1977-1978: Began collecting Nigerian art, starting with bead paintings by Twins Seven Seven (informally-trained Osogbo artist), expanding from previous focus on Indian art
2007: Decided to give arts her “full attention” after children educated (married daughter, son away at school), declaring “I’ve gotten my children educated. Now… I can help African art.”
Late 2007: Founded Arthouse Contemporary—auction house specializing in modern and contemporary art from West Africa—inspired by art auction experience in India
April 2008: First auction turned out very successful, establishing credibility and streamlining Nigerian art market that was “reeling from arbitrary fixing of prices by collectors”
2015: Established Arthouse Foundation as non-profit residency component—“As the first dedicated residency programme in the country, it is intended to give back to the community and to allow artists to work unencumbered on new projects that expand their artistic practice.”
2020: Launched kó art gallery as separate gallery entity (name means “to gather” or “to build” in Yoruba), focusing on modern and contemporary African art
2015: Also launched Arthouse-The Space for exhibitions
Vision & Mission
“To encourage the creative development of contemporary art in Nigeria by providing a platform for artists to expand their practice and experiment with new art forms and ideas.”
Core Principles:
- Giving back to community
- Artists working “unencumbered” on new projects
- Cross-cultural exchange between Nigerian and international artists
- Contemporary art as educational model to engage communities
- Promoting social dialogue
- Advancing critical discourse of artistic practices
- Transparency in art market pricing through auctions
- Investment potential for collectors
Institutional Framework
Kavita Chellaram operates interconnected art ecosystem in Lagos:
1. Arthouse Contemporary (2007-present)
West Africa’s leading auction house
Regular auctions featuring Nigerian modern masters and contemporary artists
Creating price transparency and market standards
2. Arthouse Foundation (2015-present)
Non-profit artist residency programme
30+ residencies organized
First and longest-running dedicated residency in Nigeria
3. Arthouse-The Space
Exhibition organizing entity
Presents resident work and other exhibitions
Participates in international art fairs (Art 14 London, ART X Lagos)
4. kó art gallery (2020-present)
36 Cameron Road, Flat 1A, Ikoyi
Dual focus: Nigerian modern masters + emerging contemporary artists
Participates in Frieze Masters, ART X Lagos, South South
Recognition
- Trustee: Prince’s School of Traditional Arts
- Member: African Acquisition Art Fund of Tate Modern, United Kingdom
- Major force in developing modern and contemporary art market in Nigeria
- Contributed to global recognition of numerous modern African masters including Ben Enwonwu, Bruce Onobrakpeya, Kolade Oshinowo, Ablade Glover, Yusuf Grillo, Uche Okeke
Arthouse Foundation Programme Details
Track Record
Established: 2015
First Resident: Victor Ekpuk (Nigerian-born artist based in Washington D.C.)—4 months in 2015, produced works for “Coming Home” exhibition April 2016
Residencies Organized: 30+ residencies as of 2020s
2020 Alumni (presented at kó gallery):
- Thebe Phetogo
- Edozie Anedu
- Joseph Obanubi
- Stephen Tayo
Other Notable Residents:
- Ngozi Schommers (2018)
- Many Nigerian and international artists
Duration & Capacity
Session Length: 3 months (fixed duration)
Capacity: 2 artists simultaneously per session
Annual Intake: Approximately 6-8 artists per year (2 per session x 3-4 sessions)
Year-Round Operation: Sessions throughout the year with various start dates
Historical Session Examples:
- Spring 2016: April 18 – July 22
- Fall 2016: September 12 – December 16
- Ongoing rotation across calendar year
Location & Facilities
Address:
28 Norman Williams Street
Off Ribadu Road
Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Neighborhood Context:
Ikoyi:
- Upscale, leafy residential area of Lagos
- Cultural hub of Lagos artistic community
- Proximity to major cultural institutions
Nearby Iconic Venues:
- National Museum (national heritage collection)
- Polo Club (social and sports venue)
- Muson Centre (music and performing arts center)
- Bogobiri (cultural space and bookshop)
- Jazz Hole (live music venue)
Building Configuration:
“Two residency apartments in the heart of Ikoyi”
Each of Two Studios Includes:
- Live/work studio space (combined living and workspace)
- Artist work tables for studio practice
- Outdoor working space/terrace for additional work area or relaxation
- Private accommodation within studio unit
Shared Communal Facilities:
- Communal living space with television
- Wireless internet (WiFi throughout)
- Separate full kitchen for cooking
- Common areas for socializing and collaboration
Services Provided:
- Weekly cleaner maintaining shared spaces
- Live-in security post for safety
- Professional environment within residential setting
Financial Support
Monthly Living Stipend: NGN 50,000 (~$32 USD at current rates, though fluctuates)
One-Time Production Stipend: NGN 100,000 (~$65 USD)
Total Financial Support for 3-Month Residency:
- Living stipends: NGN 150,000 (~$96 USD)
- Production budget: NGN 100,000 (~$65 USD)
- Total: NGN 250,000 (~$161 USD)
Note on Exchange Rates: Nigerian Naira has experienced significant fluctuation. At time of programme establishment (2015), rates were more favorable. Current USD equivalents reflect 2024-2025 exchange rates.
Additional Support Provided:
- Art materials (within production budget)
- Studio space (no rental cost)
- Accommodation (no rental cost)
- WiFi and utilities included
- Weekly cleaning service
- Security services
- Mentorship from Foundation staff
- Logistical support for project realization
- Visa letter for international participants
Artist Responsibilities:
Costs Borne by Artist:
- International airfare to/from Lagos
- Nigerian visa costs (Foundation provides support letter)
- Personal expenses beyond stipend
- Travel insurance
- Materials beyond production budget
- Any special equipment needs
Programme Obligations:
- Public programmes participation (workshop, artist talk, roundtable, open studios)
- Final exhibition participation
- 50/50 sales split with Arthouse Foundation from exhibition sales
- Donate one artwork to Foundation collection at residency end
- Engage new artistic project focused on Lagos
Project Focus: Engaging Lagos
Required: “Creation of a new artistic project during their residency that engages the city of Lagos”
What This Means:
Lagos Engagement:
- Site-specific work responding to city
- Research into Lagos urban issues
- Community-based projects
- Documentary or observational work
- Cultural exploration
- Social commentary
- Personal response to megacity experience
Not Necessarily:
- Work literally about Lagos (can be inspired by experience)
- Documentary realism (all interpretations welcome)
- Only Lagos-based materials (though encouraged)
Victor Ekpuk Example: First resident created works “inspired by the city of Lagos” exploring “perspective of ‘returnee’, an outsider looking in, while walking familiar streets and participating in familiar rituals of life in Nigeria”—demonstrating how diaspora artists can engage “home” through contemporary lens.
Public Programming Requirements
Mandatory Components:
“Intensive public initiative throughout each residency” including:
1. Artist’s Talk
- Presentation of work and practice
- Discussion of current project
- Q&A with audience
- Typically held mid-residency or near end
2. Workshop
- Hands-on educational component
- Skill-sharing with local artists or community
- Technique demonstration
- Collaborative making session
3. Open Studios
- Public invited to visit working space
- See work in progress
- Casual conversation about process
- Building relationships with Lagos art community
4. Roundtable Discussion
- Dialogue with other artists, curators, critics
- Thematic discussion relevant to work
- Critical exchange
- Intellectual engagement
Philosophy:
Public programming serves multiple purposes:
- Educational model engaging communities
- Social dialogue promotion
- Critical discourse advancement
- Cross-cultural exchange facilitation
- Local art community integration
- Visibility for resident and Foundation
Final Exhibition
End-of-Year Showcase:
“The Arthouse Foundation Residency Programme culminates in an end of the year exhibition showcasing the resident’s new artistic projects.”
Structure:
- Group exhibition featuring all year’s residents
- Professional presentation at Arthouse-The Space or partner venue
- Public opening and reception
- Sales opportunity with 50/50 split
- Documentation and cataloguing
Sales Terms:
“Sales from the exhibition will be split 50/50 with the Arthouse Foundation”
This Means:
- Artist receives 50% of sale price
- Foundation receives 50% of sale price
- Foundation’s share supports programme operations
- Provides potential income for artist beyond stipend
Artwork Donation:
“Artists will donate one artwork to the Arthouse Foundation at the end of the residency”
Collection Building:
- Creates permanent archive of resident work
- Documents programme history
- Potential future exhibitions from collection
- Educational resource
Mentorship & Support
“Mentorship, art materials and logistical support” provided
Mentorship Likely Includes:
- Guidance from Kavita Chellaram (founder with deep market knowledge)
- Connections to Lagos art community
- Introduction to galleries, curators, collectors
- Professional development advice
- Project development feedback
- Exhibition planning support
Logistical Support:
- Materials sourcing in Lagos
- Technical assistance
- Fabrication connections if needed
- Documentation and photography
- Exhibition installation
- Shipping and handling arrangements
Disciplines Welcomed
“Local and international visual artists” (early calls)
“Artists working in all artistic mediums are encouraged to apply” (later calls)
This Suggests:
Visual Arts:
- Painting, drawing, printmaking
- Sculpture and installation
- Photography and video
- Mixed media
- New media and digital art
Expanded Definition:
- Performance art (Ekpuk has performative elements)
- Site-specific work
- Socially engaged practice
- Research-based projects
- Interdisciplinary work
Less Clear:
- Writers/poets (focus seems visual)
- Musicians/composers
- Curators (mentioned in 2016 call but not consistently)
Practical Considerations:
Given studio configuration and outdoor work terraces:
- Well-suited: Practices not requiring specialized equipment
- Challenging: Large-scale fabrication, toxic materials, heavy equipment
- Adaptable: Most contemporary practices can work within constraints
International Partnerships
Arthouse Foundation has established residency exchanges with international institutions:
1. Matadero Museum (Madrid, Spain)
- Exchange between Nigerian and Spanish artists
- Reciprocal residencies
- Cultural exchange focus
2. Goethe-Institut (Berlin, Germany)
- Partnership with Städtische Galerie Wedding Berlin, ZK/U Berlin, Savvy Contemporary Berlin
- 6-week residencies for Berlin-based artists/curators
- “Unsustainable Privileges” thematic focus (2018)
- Fully funded: accommodation, workspace, travel, visa, per diem
- Final presentation at Arthouse Foundation Lagos and Galerie Wedding Berlin
These partnerships demonstrate:
- International credibility
- Government/institutional support (Goethe-Institut)
- Reciprocal exchange models
- Thematic frameworks for engaged practice
Application Process
Eligibility
Open to:
- Local (Nigerian) visual artists
- International visual artists
- All career stages (emerging to established)
- Various artistic mediums
Requirements:
- Interest in creating new artistic project within Lagos
- Ability to commit to full 3-month residency
- Willingness to engage public programming
- Comfortable with 50/50 sales split and artwork donation
How to Apply
Submission Method:
Historical applications sent to:
- joseph@arthouse-ng.com (early years)
- Check current website for updated contact
Application Materials (Typical):
While specific current requirements should be confirmed with Foundation, typical applications include:
- Completed application form
- Artist CV with exhibition history
- Artist statement about practice
- Portfolio of recent work (10-20 images)
- Project proposal for Lagos residency
- Letter of intent explaining interest in programme
Deadlines:
Applications appear to have rolling deadlines or specific session deadlines
Examples:
- 2016: February 26 deadline for Spring/Fall sessions
- Later years: Confirm current deadlines with Foundation
Selection Process
Selection by:
- Kavita Chellaram (Founder/Director)
- Foundation staff
- Possibly advisory committee
Selection Criteria (Inferred):
- Quality of artistic practice
- Strength of project proposal
- Relevance to Lagos context
- Ability to complete residency
- Public engagement potential
- Fit with Foundation mission
- Contribution to cross-cultural dialogue
Notification:
Timeline varies—check with Foundation for typical response time
What Makes Arthouse Foundation Unique
Historical Significance:
- First dedicated artist residency in Nigeria (2015)
- Longest-running programme in country
- Pioneer establishing residency model
Founder’s Expertise:
- Kavita Chellaram’s deep art market knowledge
- Arthouse Contemporary auction house connections
- kó gallery exhibition opportunities
- Collector networks for sales potential
- International institutional relationships
Live/Work Integration:
- Combined living and studio space
- 24/7 access to workspace
- Immersive experience in Lagos
- Community building between two concurrent residents
Public Engagement:
- Mandatory programming ensuring community impact
- Educational mission beyond artist support
- Social dialogue promotion
- Critical discourse advancement
Exhibition Platform:
- Guaranteed exhibition at programme end
- Professional presentation standards
- Sales opportunity with fair split
- Collector access through Arthouse networks
Lagos Context:
- Africa’s largest city as creative laboratory
- Vibrant art scene with growing infrastructure
- Cultural dynamism across creative sectors
- Contemporary urgency of urban themes
International Exchange:
- Partnerships with European institutions
- Reciprocal residencies expanding reach
- Global dialogue while rooted in Nigeria
Accessible Model:
- Modest financial requirements (artist pays airfare/visa only)
- Stipend and production budget provided
- Housing and studio covered
- Removes barriers for artists without extensive funding
Track Record & Impact
30+ Residencies Organized (as of early 2020s)
Career Advancement:
Many residents have gone on to:
- Gallery representation (including kó)
- International exhibitions
- Art fair presentations
- Collection acquisitions
- Further residencies
Community Impact:
- Public programmes engaging Lagos audiences
- Workshops building skills
- Dialogues advancing discourse
- Exhibitions enriching cultural offerings
- Archive documenting contemporary practice
Market Development:
Through Arthouse ecosystem:
- Price transparency via auctions
- Collector development and confidence
- Artist visibility and validation
- Secondary market creation
Strategic Considerations for Applicants
Best Suited For:
- Visual artists across media
- Those interested in Lagos as subject/context
- Socially engaged practitioners comfortable with public programming
- Collaborative personalities sharing space with one other resident
- Adaptable artists working without specialized equipment
- Those valuing sales opportunities (50/50 split fair)
- Artists seeking mentorship and market connections
- Practitioners interested in cross-cultural exchange
Less Suitable For:
- Artists requiring large production budgets (NGN 100,000 modest)
- Those needing specialized facilities or equipment
- Practitioners uncomfortable with public speaking (talks required)
- Artists resistant to artwork donation
- Those expecting high stipends (NGN 50,000/month very modest)
- Large-scale fabricators (space and budget constraints)
Application Strategy:
- Research Lagos context thoroughly
- Propose feasible project for 3 months and budget
- Demonstrate public engagement capacity
- Show interest in Nigerian art and culture
- Explain cross-cultural exchange value
- Realistic materials list within production budget
- Strong portfolio showing consistent practice
- Clear artist statement articulating practice
- Project connects to Lagos in meaningful way
- Willingness to adapt to local resources
Questions to Ask:
- Current application deadlines and session dates
- Specific materials available or easy to source in Lagos
- Technical facilities (power for digital work, etc.)
- Past resident projects for reference
- Mentorship structure and frequency
- Exhibition format and venue details
- Sales history from past exhibitions
- Partnership opportunities with other Lagos institutions
- Visa processing timeline and support
- Health insurance requirements
- Safety briefing and orientation
Lagos Context
Ikoyi Neighborhood
Character:
- Upscale residential area
- Leafy streets and relative calm
- Good infrastructure by Lagos standards
- Cultural institutions concentrated
- Safe, walkable within neighborhood
- Proximity to Victoria Island business district
Cultural Proximity:
Within walking/short drive:
- Multiple galleries (kó, Rele, others nearby)
- National Museum
- Performance venues
- Markets and craft centers
- Restaurants and cafes
Lagos Megacity
Population: 21+ million (Africa’s largest city)
Opportunities:
- Vibrant art scene with ART X Lagos, galleries, museums
- Creative energy and innovation
- Cultural diversity and dynamism
- Contemporary urgency inspiring socially engaged work
- Growing collector base
- International attention to Nigerian art
Challenges:
- Traffic congestion (legendary, plan accordingly)
- Power outages (generators common)
- Infrastructure limitations
- High cost of living in some areas
- Overwhelming pace for newcomers
- Security concerns (stay aware, take precautions)
Contact & Next Steps
Arthouse Foundation
28 Norman Williams Street
Off Ribadu Road
Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Website: http://www.arthousefoundation-ng.com
Email: Check website for current application contact
Associated Organizations:
kó art gallery
36 Cameron Road, Flat 1A
Ikoyi, Lagos
http://www.ko-artspace.com
Instagram: @ko_artspace
Arthouse Contemporary
http://www.arthouse-ng.com
To Apply:
- Visit http://www.arthousefoundation-ng.com
- Review current call for applications
- Download application form if available
- Prepare portfolio and project proposal
- Submit by stated deadline
- Include all required materials
- Await selection notification
To Learn More:
- Research Kavita Chellaram interviews and articles
- Review kó gallery exhibitions (many resident alumni)
- Study past resident work (Victor Ekpuk “Coming Home” example)
- Explore Lagos art scene online
- Connect with Nigerian artists for insights
- Follow Arthouse social media for updates
- Contact Foundation with specific questions
Join Nigeria’s pioneering artist residency programme founded by the woman who transformed the Nigerian art market—offering 3-month live/work studios in cultural Ikoyi, mentorship from auction house expertise, guaranteed exhibition with sales opportunities, and immersion in Africa’s most dynamic megacity where 21 million people create the urgent contemporary context that has inspired 30+ residents since 2015 to “expand their practice and experiment with new art forms and ideas.”