info@nafasiartspace.org

NAFASI ART SPACE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAMME

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

QUICK OVERVIEW

Programme Type: Exchange-Based Artist Residency
Location: Mikocheni B, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Duration: 1-3 months (flexible)
Disciplines: Visual arts, performing arts, dance, music, film, photography, writing, curatorial practice, research
Funding Model: Self-funded (artists cover costs; letters of support provided for fundraising)
Annual Capacity: 12-15 residents per year
Application Cycle: Annual open call (typically October deadline)
Established: 2008 (Residency programme since 2011)
Track Record: 30+ residents from 10+ countries since 2011

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Mission and Philosophy

Nafasi Art Space is Tanzania’s leading independent, artist-led contemporary art centre, and the only institution of its kind in the country. The residency programme forms a core pillar of Nafasi’s mission to create a critical learning environment that stimulates the discovery and creation of contemporary art in Tanzania through production and open, active art exchange within the region and beyond.

The programme operates on an exchange model—incoming artists are expected to fully interact and potentially collaborate with Nafasi’s 60+ member artists while delivering workshops or trainings that contribute to the local artistic community’s development. This is not a secluded, individual residency experience, but rather an immersive exchange that positions visiting artists as both learners and teachers within Tanzania’s young but vibrant contemporary art scene.

Historical Context

Nafasi Art Space opened in 2008, shortly after the closure of Nyumba ya Sanaa (also known as the Mwalimu Nyerere Cultural Centre), which had been the primary centre for artists in Tanzania from 1972 to the early 2000s. A group of Tanzanian artists founded Nafasi—which means “opportunity” or “chance” in Kiswahili—to fill the void left by Nyumba ya Sanaa’s closure and create a sustainable platform for contemporary Tanzanian visual art.

Since then, Nafasi has grown from a handful of studios to become one of the leading art spaces in East Africa, with extensive infrastructure including 37 studios (many converted from shipping containers), multiple gallery and exhibition spaces, a dedicated art academy, film amphitheater, art library, supply shop, and music rehearsal spaces—all set within a large outdoor compound on the edge of Dar es Salaam’s industrial area.

What Makes This Residency Unique

Exchange-Focused Model: Unlike many artist residencies that prioritize solitary studio time, Nafasi explicitly requires residents to engage with the local artistic community through workshops, artist talks, and collaboration. This makes it ideal for artists who are energized by teaching, community engagement, and cross-cultural artistic exchange.

Access to Tanzania’s Only Artist-Led Centre: Nafasi is the sole independent, artist-led space in Tanzania where contemporary artists’ work is both created and exhibited. Residents gain unprecedented access to the country’s contemporary art ecosystem.

Multidisciplinary Environment: With visual artists, dancers, musicians, filmmakers, and performers all working in close proximity, Nafasi offers unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration that blur traditional artistic boundaries.

Direct Community Impact: Through required workshop delivery and public engagement, residents directly contribute to the development of Tanzania’s young contemporary art scene, creating meaningful legacy beyond their personal practice.

Strategic Location: Dar es Salaam is East Africa’s second-largest city and Tanzania’s economic hub, offering residents exposure to a dynamic urban context while maintaining the intimacy of a close-knit artistic community.

LEADERSHIP & TEAM

Leadership History

Rebecca Mzengi Corey served as Director from April 2016 to February 2023, guiding Nafasi through significant growth and international recognition. A former Managing Director of Sauti za Busara festival in Zanzibar and co-founder of the Tanzania Heritage Project (focused on digitizing endangered Tanzanian music archives), Corey brought extensive experience in cultural preservation and arts management. She curated numerous exhibitions including “New Shapes,” “D.A.R.,” and “Imagined Encounters,” and co-directed the award-winning documentary film “Wahenga (The Ancestors)” about Tanzanian music.

Lilian Hipolyte Mushi assumed the position of Managing Director in February 2023. With over 13 years of experience as a creative director and brand strategist, plus a degree in Design from Goldsmiths University in London, Mushi previously served as Head of Design at AIM Group in Dar es Salaam (2016-2021). Her appointment reflects Nafasi’s commitment to ambitious growth under its 2021-2026 strategic plan, with core funding support secured from the Swiss and Norwegian Embassies in Tanzania.

Founding Board

Professor Elias Eliezar Jengo serves as founding board chairman. Born in Tanga in 1936, Jengo trained at Makerere University and taught at the University of Dar es Salaam. He is a distinguished writer and painter who has exhibited both locally and internationally. In 1997, the Royal Geographic Society of Britain appointed him to work with British artist and evolutionary zoologist Jonathan Kingdon to record artistic observations of the Mkomazi Ecological Project.

Curatorial Team

The organization maintains a small professional team of arts managers and curators who support both resident artists and Nafasi’s 60+ member artists through programming, exhibitions, and capacity building initiatives.

RESIDENCY STRUCTURE

Duration and Timing

Standard Duration: 1-3 months (flexible based on project needs and artist availability)

Application Cycle: Annual open call typically announced in early October with deadlines in late October. Decisions are announced in December, with residencies scheduled for the following year.

Flexibility: While Nafasi maintains an annual application cycle, the organization has shown openness to discussing alternative timing for artists with specific scheduling needs.

Daily Structure

Nafasi does not impose rigid schedules on residents. Artists work at their own pace within Nafasi’s large outdoor compound, which includes:

37 studios (many converted shipping containers)
Indoor and outdoor exhibition spaces
Nafasi Academy spaces with classrooms and production workshop
Film amphitheater for screenings
Art library with reference materials
Supply shop for purchasing materials
Music rehearsal spaces
Nafasi Gallery for contemporary African art exhibitions
Nafasi ya Watoto (children’s art space)
The Great Hall (largest temporary exhibition space)
The Nafasi Stage for performing arts
Outdoor compound with communal gathering areas

Exchange Requirements

All residents must:

Deliver a two-week workshop for Nafasi artists (can be conducted in one concentrated period or spread throughout the residency)
Give a visual presentation of their work at the beginning of the residency to the Nafasi collective and interested Tanzanian artists
Participate actively in Nafasi events and community activities
Conclude with a public presentation (open studio, exhibition, performance, or artist talk)
Work on-site at Nafasi premises for the full duration of the residency

Workshop Expectations

The two-week workshop requirement is central to Nafasi’s exchange philosophy. Workshops should focus on:

Technical skills in specific media or methods
Theoretical concepts and contemporary art discourse
New ideas and approaches to expand the horizons of Tanzania’s young art scene
Creative entrepreneurship and professional development

Nafasi particularly welcomes artists who can deliver workshops around concepts and techniques that are not yet widely practiced in Tanzania’s contemporary art scene.

FACILITIES & RESOURCES

Studio Spaces

Residents are provided with dedicated studio space within Nafasi’s 37-studio complex. Many studios are converted shipping containers that have been adapted for artistic work, while others are purpose-built spaces within the compound’s warehouses and buildings.

Studio access is available daily during Nafasi’s operating hours, with flexibility for artists working on time-sensitive projects.

Exhibition & Performance Spaces

The Great Hall: Nafasi’s largest temporary exhibition space, which has hosted major exhibitions including “Women=Men” (2013), “Cabinet of Curiosities” (2015), the East Africa Art Biennale (2013 and 2015), and “Misambwa by Agxon” (2017).

Nafasi Gallery: Opened in 2017 alongside the children’s art space, the gallery showcases work by Nafasi artists and hosts regular exhibitions of contemporary African art.

The Nafasi Stage: A flexible performance space used for dance rehearsals, live music performances, theater, and visual art installations.

Indoor and outdoor exhibition areas: Multiple spaces available for resident presentations and final exhibitions.

Support Resources

Art Library: Reference materials covering contemporary art theory, technique, and African art history.

Supply Shop: On-site shop where residents can purchase basic art materials (though bringing preferred materials from home is recommended).

Technical Support: Nafasi’s staff provides curatorial and administrative support, including assistance organizing open studios and exhibitions.

Workshop Facilities: Production workshop with tools and equipment accessible to residents for fabrication and installation work.

Digital Infrastructure: Computer and internet access available (though service can occasionally be inconsistent).

WHAT’S PROVIDED VS. ARTIST RESPONSIBILITY

Nafasi Provides

Infrastructure & Facilities:

Dedicated studio space
Access to exhibition and performance venues
Use of workshop facilities and equipment
Art library access
Supply shop access

Curatorial & Administrative Support:

Assistance organizing open studios or exhibitions at residency conclusion
Promotion through Nafasi’s social media channels (@nafasiartspace – 26K+ Instagram followers)
Inclusion in monthly “Artist Hangouts” (Art Talks) program
Connections to Nafasi’s network of 60+ member artists
Integration into Nafasi’s public programming (exhibitions, film screenings, Wikiendi Live concerts)

Professional Development:

Platform to present work to Dar es Salaam’s art community and invited media
Networking opportunities with local galleries, curators, collectors
Visibility within East Africa’s contemporary art scene
Invitation to participate in Nafasi events and festivals

Documentation Support:

Upon acceptance, letters of invitation and documentation to help artists fundraise for residency costs
Residency confirmation letters for grant applications
Assistance with visa application documentation

Artist Responsibility (Self-Funded Model)

Residency Costs:

Studio fees: Self-funded (amounts vary; contact Nafasi directly for current rates)
Accommodation: Artists arrange and pay for their own housing in Dar es Salaam
Materials: All art supplies and materials
Food: Daily meals and sustenance
Transport: International travel to Tanzania and local transport in Dar es Salaam
Visa application fees: Approximately $100 USD for most nationalities
Health insurance: Required for duration of stay
Personal expenses: All additional costs

Important Note: While Nafasi operates on a self-funded model, the organization recognizes financial constraints and is committed to providing letters of support, residency confirmation, and other documentation that can strengthen artists’ applications for grants, institutional funding, and other financial support in their home countries.

Accommodation Context

Dar es Salaam offers a range of accommodation options depending on budget:

Guesthouse/Budget Hotels: $20-50 USD per night Mid-Range Hotels/Apartments: $50-100 USD per night
Serviced Apartments (monthly rental): $400-800 USD per month Shared accommodation with other artists: Often the most affordable option; Nafasi can potentially help connect residents with member artists who have spare rooms

Nafasi is located in Mikocheni B, a mixed industrial-residential area with relatively easy access to various parts of the city via local transport (bajaji, dalla-dalla minibuses, or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt).

COMMUNITY & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Nafasi’s Artist Community

The residency’s greatest strength lies in access to Nafasi’s vibrant ecosystem of 60+ member artists working across diverse disciplines:

Visual Artists: Painters, sculptors, printmakers, installation artists, mixed media artists, fashion designers

Performing Artists: Dancers, musicians, theater practitioners

Media Artists: Photographers, filmmakers, video artists

Emerging Practices: Digital artists, conceptual artists, interdisciplinary practitioners

Many member artists are Tanzania-based, but the community also includes artists from Kenya, Uganda, and other East African nations who maintain studios at Nafasi.

Regular Community Programming

Tukutane Nafasi (Artist Meetups): Monthly gatherings where artists from different backgrounds and disciplines meet to discuss important themes and topics. Both Nafasi artists and residents use these sessions to present work and projects.

Chap Chap Workshops: Public art workshops that invite community members to participate in interactive art activities related to a Nafasi artist, exhibition, or artist-in-residence. These events provide quick (“chap chap” in Kiswahili means “quickly”) introductions to contemporary art techniques.

Film Screenings: Monthly programme curated in partnership with Kijiweni Productions, focusing on independent African cinema—socially-bound and emotionally-driven films from past and present.

Wikiendi Live!: Launched in 2016 in collaboration with Tanzania Heritage Project and Chanzo East Africa, this unique live music event showcases traditional African beats and fusion music on select weekends.

Exhibitions: Regular solo and group shows by local and international artists in The Great Hall, Nafasi Gallery, and other spaces.

Nafasi Academy Programming: Workshops, trainings, and courses for aspiring and emerging artists from underrepresented communities.

Public Art Events: Festivals, art fairs, performances, and community outreach that take art beyond Nafasi’s walls.

Collaboration Opportunities

Nafasi actively encourages collaboration between residents and member artists. Past collaborations have included:

Joint exhibitions combining resident and member artist work
Co-created installations using shared studio space and resources
Performance collaborations between visual artists, dancers, and musicians
Mentorship relationships where residents work closely with emerging Tanzanian artists
Documentation projects capturing Nafasi’s community and Dar es Salaam’s art scene

The concentration of artists in one space has created an inspiring environment where cross-pollination of ideas happens organically through daily interactions, shared meals, and impromptu studio visits.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Eligibility

Open to: Artists of all nationalities and genders working in all disciplines

Career Stage: Experienced contemporary multidisciplinary artists with established practices (art students typically not eligible)

Essential Requirements:

Ample professional experience and a developed artistic practice
Willingness and ability to conduct workshops and community engagement
Commitment to full-time presence at Nafasi for residency duration
Ability to self-fund residency costs (or secure external funding)

Particularly Welcomed:

Artists from the Global South, especially Africa
Artists working with new techniques, concepts, or approaches not yet widespread in Tanzania
Artists experienced in teaching and mentorship
Interdisciplinary practitioners
Curators, writers, and researchers with projects relevant to East African contemporary art

Application Materials

Submit the following documents (use naming format: Name_CV, Name_Portfolio, Name_Motivation, etc.):

Curriculum Vitae/Biography
Portfolio (images of recent work, documentation of past projects, performance videos, writing samples—whatever best represents your practice)
Motivation Letter explaining:
- Why you want to come to Nafasi Art Space
- What you hope to gain from the residency
- How you envision engaging with Nafasi’s artist community
Project Proposal clearly stating:
- How you plan to use your time at Nafasi
- What you hope to create or develop during the residency
- How the Dar es Salaam/Tanzania context informs your project
Workshop/Training Proposal describing:
- The two-week workshop you would deliver to Nafasi artists
- Technical or theoretical focus
- Teaching methodology
- Required materials or preparation

Application Timeline

Annual Cycle:

Call Announcement: Early October
Application Deadline: Typically October 31
Jury Review: November
Decisions Announced: December
Residencies: Scheduled for following calendar year

Important Notes:

Incomplete or partial applications will not be considered
Only shortlisted artists will be contacted
Selected artists receive detailed information on residency practicalities including visa requirements, health insurance, accommodation suggestions, and documentation requirements

Selection Process

A jury composed of Nafasi staff, board members, and occasionally guest curators reviews applications. Selection criteria include:

Quality and originality of artistic practice
Relevance of proposed project to Nafasi’s mission and Tanzania’s art scene
Strength of workshop proposal and teaching experience
Commitment to exchange and community engagement
Diversity of disciplines, nationalities, and perspectives across the annual cohort
Feasibility of proposed project within available timeframe and resources

Preference is often given to artists whose work or workshops introduce new concepts, techniques, or theoretical frameworks that can stimulate innovation within Tanzania’s contemporary art scene.

How to Apply

Email applications to: fifi@nafasiartspace.org or info@nafasiartspace.org

Contact for Questions:
Telephone/WhatsApp: +255 (0) 757 820 426

Alternative Listing: Nafasi is also listed on TransArtists: https://www.transartists.org/en/air/nafasi-art-space

COST BREAKDOWN

Self-Funded Model

Nafasi operates primarily on a self-funded residency model, meaning artists are responsible for covering all costs associated with their stay. This includes studio fees (contact Nafasi for current rates), accommodation, food, materials, transport, visa, and insurance.

Approximate Monthly Budget (USD)

Minimum Budget (Shared accommodation, modest lifestyle):

Studio fee: Contact Nafasi directly
Shared accommodation: $250-400/month
Food (cooking at home, occasional eating out): $200-300/month
Local transport: $50-100/month
Materials: $100-300/month (varies by medium)
Miscellaneous: $100/month
Total (excluding studio fee): $700-1,200/month

Mid-Range Budget (Private apartment, balanced lifestyle):

Studio fee: Contact Nafasi directly
Private serviced apartment: $500-700/month
Food (mix of cooking and dining out): $300-400/month
Local transport: $100-150/month
Materials: $200-400/month
Miscellaneous: $150/month
Total (excluding studio fee): $1,250-1,800/month

One-Time Costs:

International flights: $600-1,500 (varies significantly by origin)
Tanzania visa: $100 (most nationalities; some exempt)
Health insurance: $50-150/month
Airport transfer: $40-60

Total for 2-Month Residency: $2,500-5,000+ USD (excluding international flights and studio fees)

Fundraising Support

Upon acceptance, Nafasi provides:

Official letter of invitation
Residency confirmation documentation
Support letters for grant applications
Any other documentation that may help artists secure funding from grants, institutional support, cultural exchange programs, or crowdfunding campaigns in their home countries

Nafasi recognizes that funding challenges should not prevent talented artists from participating and actively works to support artists’ fundraising efforts.

PAST RESIDENTS & TRACK RECORD

Programme History

Since launching the residency programme in 2011, Nafasi has hosted 30+ artists from 10+ countries. While the organization does not publicize a comprehensive alumni list on its website, the programme has drawn artists from across Africa, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Specialized Programme: New Shapes (2021)

One notable residency initiative was the “New Shapes” programme—a specialized residency and workshop running October-December 2021 in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro. This programme engaged artistic and curatorial practices as means to inform and systematize relevant approaches to materials and concepts under specific environmental themes. Selected participants engaged in collaborative exercises exploring modes of handling, living, and existing with the natural world to better define shifts in social and cultural interactions with the earth.

Impact on Tanzania’s Art Scene

While specific alumni outcomes are not comprehensively documented online, the residency’s impact is evident in:

Increased International Visibility: Nafasi exhibitions featuring resident work have been covered in major publications and received visits from international curators, gallerists, and collectors.

Skill Transfer: Workshops delivered by residents have introduced Tanzanian artists to new techniques and conceptual frameworks, directly contributing to the evolution of contemporary practice in Tanzania.

Ongoing Collaborations: Some residents have maintained long-term relationships with Nafasi, returning for subsequent projects, connecting Tanzanian artists to opportunities abroad, or including Nafasi artists in international exhibitions.

Documentation: Several residents have produced photographic, video, or written documentation of Tanzania’s contemporary art scene that has been exhibited or published internationally.

DAR ES SALAAM CONTEXT

The City

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and economic capital (though the political capital moved to Dodoma). With a metropolitan population exceeding 6 million, it is East Africa’s second-largest city after Nairobi and serves as Tanzania’s main port and commercial hub.

Geography: Located on the Indian Ocean coast, Dar es Salaam offers beaches alongside urban density. The city has expanded rapidly, blending historic Swahili coastal culture with contemporary Pan-African urbanization.

Climate: Tropical. Hot and humid year-round with two rainy seasons (March-May “long rains” and November-December “short rains”). Cooler months are June-September.

Language: Kiswahili is the national language and primary language of daily life. English is widely spoken in professional and tourist contexts.

Contemporary Art Scene

Nafasi Art Space’s Role: As the only independent, artist-led contemporary art centre in Tanzania, Nafasi holds a unique position in the ecosystem. Nearly all serious contemporary art activity in Dar es Salaam either happens at Nafasi or connects to its network.

Other Venues:

Nafasi Gallery: Contemporary African art exhibitions (part of Nafasi complex)
Alliance Française: Occasional contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events
Tanzanian Heritage Sites: Some hotels and cultural centers host exhibitions
Nyumba ya Sanaa (Mwalimu Nyerere Cultural Centre): The historic arts center (1972-early 2000s) that preceded Nafasi; now primarily used for government events

Challenges: Tanzania’s contemporary visual art market remains small compared to Kenya, Uganda, or South Africa. Limited gallery infrastructure, small collector base, and lack of government support for contemporary art mean that most artists must be entrepreneurial and resourceful. This context makes Nafasi’s community-building role even more vital.

Opportunities: Tanzania’s art scene is young, energetic, and growing. Artists are experimenting across media, and there is openness to new ideas. The cultural richness of Swahili coast traditions, combined with Tanzania’s national policy of cultural unity (bringing together 120+ ethnic groups), creates a unique context for contemporary artistic exploration.

Cultural Context & Daily Life

Swahili Culture: Dar es Salaam’s coastal location means strong Swahili cultural influences—a cosmopolitan culture blending Bantu, Arab, Indian, and European elements over centuries of Indian Ocean trade.

Music Scene: Tanzania has a vibrant music tradition from traditional ngoma drumming to contemporary Bongo Flava (Tanzanian hip-hop). Nafasi’s Wikiendi Live concerts are an excellent entry point.

Food: Coastal Swahili dishes (biryani, pilau, coconut-based curries), mainland staples (ugali, nyama choma), and street food (chips mayai, mishkaki).

Safety: Exercise normal urban caution. Avoid displaying valuables, be aware of surroundings especially at night, and use reputable transport (Uber/Bolt rather than random taxis).

Cost of Living: Moderate by international standards, affordable by Western standards. International products and Western-style amenities cost more.

Logistics

Getting There: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) with connections to major African, Middle Eastern, European, and Asian hubs.

Visa: Most visitors require a Tourist Visa ($100 USD for most nationalities). Available online (eVisa), through embassies, or on arrival (though online application in advance is recommended).

Health: Yellow fever vaccination required if coming from endemic countries. Malaria prophylaxis recommended (Dar es Salaam is in a malaria zone). Drink bottled or filtered water.

Mobile/Internet: Good mobile network coverage. Purchase local SIM cards from providers like Vodacom, Airtel, or Tigo. Nafasi has WiFi though service can occasionally be inconsistent.

Getting Around Dar es Salaam:

Bajaji (tuk-tuks): Cheap, can be chaotic
Dalla-dalla (minibuses): Very cheap, crowded, requires knowledge of routes
Uber/Bolt: Affordable, convenient, safe
Bodaboda (motorcycle taxis): Fast but less safe
Private hire: Can arrange drivers for regular transport needs

Nafasi Location: Mikocheni B, on the edge of an industrial area and residential neighborhood. Accessible by taxi/rideshare; approximately 20-30 minutes from city center depending on traffic.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can I apply if I’m an art student or recent graduate?

A: The residency is primarily intended for artists with ample professional experience and established practices. Art students are typically not eligible, though recent graduates with strong portfolios and clear project proposals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Q: Do I need to speak Kiswahili?

A: No. While learning basic Kiswahili greetings is appreciated and will enhance your experience, workshops and engagement can be conducted in English, which is widely spoken among Nafasi’s artist community.

Q: Can the two-week workshop be spread throughout my residency instead of delivered in one block?

A: Yes. Nafasi allows workshops to be conducted either as an intensive two-week block or spread across the residency period in weekly or bi-weekly sessions, depending on what works best for the content and participating artists’ schedules.

Q: Will Nafasi help me find accommodation?

A: Nafasi can provide suggestions and potentially connect you with member artists who have spare rooms or know of affordable housing options. However, securing and paying for accommodation is the artist’s responsibility.

Q: Can I bring my family/partner with me?

A: Yes, though Nafasi’s resources are dedicated to the resident artist. Family members would need to arrange their own housing (likely requiring larger accommodation than a solo artist would need), visas, and occupy their own time while you work at Nafasi.

Q: What if I need specialized equipment or materials not available in Dar es Salaam?

A: Bring what you can. Shipping to Tanzania can be complicated and expensive. Plan your project around what you can carry or what’s available locally. Dar es Salaam has basic art supplies, hardware stores, and fabrication services, but specialty art materials may be limited.

Q: Are there opportunities to exhibit work created during the residency?

A: Yes. Most residencies conclude with an open studio or exhibition at Nafasi. Nafasi provides curatorial support and promotion for these events, which attract the local art community, media, collectors, and general public.

Q: Can I sell work created during the residency?

A: Yes. Work created at Nafasi can be sold, though any sales logistics (payment processing, shipping, etc.) are your responsibility. Your open studio/final exhibition is an opportunity to connect with local collectors.

Q: What is the selection rate?

A: Nafasi does not publish acceptance statistics, but with 12-15 residents hosted annually from a pool of international applicants, the programme is moderately competitive. Strong workshop proposals and demonstrated commitment to exchange are important factors.

Q: Can I apply for a specific time period outside the annual cycle?

A: Contact Nafasi directly (fifi@nafasiartspace.org or info@nafasiartspace.org) to discuss possibilities. While the formal process runs on an annual cycle, Nafasi may be open to discussing alternative arrangements for artists with unique scheduling needs or time-sensitive projects.

WHY CHOOSE NAFASI ART SPACE

For Artists Who Value:

✓ Community Over Isolation: If you’re energized by collaboration, teaching, and intensive cross-cultural exchange rather than solitary studio time, Nafasi’s model is ideal.

✓ Making an Impact: Your workshop directly contributes to the development of Tanzania’s contemporary art scene, creating meaningful legacy beyond personal production.

✓ Multidisciplinary Exploration: Access to dancers, musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists working in close proximity opens doors for unexpected collaborations.

✓ Authentic Cultural Immersion: Working daily alongside Tanzanian artists provides deep insight into East African contemporary culture that casual tourism cannot offer.

✓ Institutional Legitimacy: As Tanzania’s leading contemporary art centre with international recognition, a Nafasi residency carries weight on a CV and opens doors within African art networks.

✓ Platform & Visibility: Regular programming, strong social media presence, and connections to East African art infrastructure provide visibility for your work.

✓ Flexibility: Self-directed schedule allows you to shape your own experience within the broader framework of community engagement.

For Artists Who May Look Elsewhere:

✗ Seeking Full Funding: If you need a fully-funded residency, Nafasi’s self-funded model may not be viable (though fundraising support is provided).

✗ Preferring Isolation: If you work best in solitary retreat without teaching or community obligations, exchange-based programmes may feel restrictive.

✗ Requiring Specialized Facilities: If your practice depends on equipment unlikely to be available in Dar es Salaam (e.g., advanced digital fabrication, specialized printmaking equipment), logistics may prove challenging.

✗ Short Timeframe: If you can only commit to 2-3 weeks, Nafasi’s preference for 1-3 month commitments may not align.

Official Nafasi Channels

Website: https://www.nafasiartspace.org
Email: fifi@nafasiartspace.org or info@nafasiartspace.org
Phone/WhatsApp: +255 (0) 757 820 426
Instagram: @nafasiartspace (26K+ followers)
Facebook: Nafasi Art Space
Twitter: @nafasiartspace
Google Arts & Culture: Nafasi Art Space partner page with virtual exhibitions
YouTube: Nafasi Art Space (videos of events, performances, artist talks)

Listings & Reviews

TransArtists: https://www.transartists.org/en/air/nafasi-art-space
TripAdvisor: Nafasi Art Space (visitor reviews, photos)
Contemporary And (C&): Nafasi Art Space organizational profile
Music In Africa: Past residency call announcements and features

Supporting Organizations

GlobalGiving: Nafasi maintains a fundraising profile where individual donors support operations (https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/support-nafasi-art-space-in-dar-es-salaam/)

Core Funders: Swiss Embassy in Tanzania, Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania (2023-2027 support period)

Tanzania Cultural Resources

Tanzania Heritage Project: Co-founded by Rebecca Corey (former Nafasi director), focuses on digitizing endangered Tanzanian music archives

Sauti za Busara: Major East African music festival in Zanzibar (connections through Nafasi network)

Chanzo East Africa: Media partner for Nafasi programming

Kijiweni Productions: Film screening partner

Nafasi Art Space stands apart from many artist residencies through its unwavering commitment to exchange over individualism. This is not a programme for artists seeking quiet solitude to develop solo projects, but rather for those who recognize that artistic growth accelerates through teaching, collaboration, and cross-cultural dialogue.

The residency’s position within Tanzania’s only independent, artist-led contemporary art centre gives residents unparalleled access to a vibrant but under-resourced artistic community hungry for new ideas, techniques, and perspectives. The impact of a well-designed workshop can ripple through Tanzania’s art scene for years as participating artists incorporate new approaches into their own practices and teaching.

For artists committed to reciprocal exchange—who understand that they will learn as much from Nafasi’s community as they contribute—the residency offers an authentic, unfiltered immersion into East African contemporary art at a pivotal moment in its development. The connections forged, collaborations initiated, and ideas exchanged create networks and knowledge that extend far beyond the residency period itself.

While the self-funded model requires financial resources or successful fundraising, Nafasi’s commitment to supporting artists’ grant applications and providing documentation demonstrates institutional understanding that money should not be the sole barrier to meaningful artistic exchange.

If you’re an artist-educator energized by community, drawn to East Africa’s emerging contemporary art scene, and ready to contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s cultural ecosystem, Nafasi Art Space offers one of the continent’s most authentic exchange-based residency experiences.