The R2 Space – Rele Arts Foundation Residency, Lagos, Nigeria

Mid-Career Artist Residency with $500 Monthly Stipend and Gallery Presentation Option

Overview

The R2 Space is a visual arts residency programme for mid-career (ages 35 and upwards) African and diaspora artists operated by Rele Arts Foundation in Lagos, Nigeria. With rolling applications January to December for residencies lasting one to three months, R2 Space provides an environment supporting independent creative and research projects from conception to presentation across diverse artistic disciplines. Hosting 12-36 residents annually, the programme offers $500 monthly stipend, workspace, and optional presentation in Rele Gallery—one of Africa’s most dynamic contemporary art spaces with locations in Lagos, Los Angeles, and London. Founded by Adenrele Sonariwo (lead curator of Nigeria’s first Venice Biennale pavilion 2017), Rele Arts Foundation encourages applications focusing on critical engagement with Lagos while remaining open to other explorations, emphasizing independent practice where residents define their own activities with Foundation staff support.

Founder: Adenrele Sonariwo

Background & Journey

Born: Nigeria
Education:

• BA in Accounting – Howard University, Washington D.C. (2007)
• MFA – Academy of Art University, San Francisco
• Certificate in Curating Contemporary Art Exhibitions – University of the Arts, London

Professional Evolution:

Worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as accountant for four years after graduation before making “daring pivot from safety of secure job to unpredictable world of contemporary art” motivated by vision to support young African artists.

2010: Returned to Lagos after studying curating in UK, felt art scene lacked representation of young contemporary voices

2011: Attempted to start “The Modern Day School of the Arts”—“pop-up art school for art lovers who may be stuck in a different career”

2015: Officially launched Rele Gallery physical space (after years of development)

2016: Established Rele Arts Foundation as nonprofit component

2017: Selected as lead curator of first Nigerian Pavilion at 57th Venice Biennale alongside writer Emmanuel Iduma, featuring Victor Ehikhamenor, Peju Alatise, and Qudus Onikeku

2021: Expanded to Los Angeles location on Melrose Avenue—first African contemporary art gallery to establish outpost in Los Angeles

2024: Opened London location, becoming tri-continental operation

2019-present: Consultant on culture and tourism to Governor of Ogun State

Recognition & Honors

• The Future Awards Africa Prize for Arts (2016)
• Apollo’s 40 Under 40 list (Africa, 2020)
• New African’s 100 Most Influential Africans (2022)
• Power List of influencers in culture (2016, 2017)
• 100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria (March 2017)
• Vogue’s “Five Coolest Women in Lagos” (2018)

Vision & Mission

“I was seeing a lot of young artists that weren’t given platforms. I thought, how do we make art accessible? How do we give these young artists a space where they can express freely? How can we trigger a new audience into appreciating, collecting and engaging with the art?”

Driving Principles:

• Democratizing access to contemporary art
• Young voice as critical to art ecosystem
• Diverse narratives beyond stereotypes
• Bridging generations in Nigerian art scene
• Platform creation for underrepresented artists
• International exposure while staying rooted in Africa

“Rele” in Yoruba means “coming home”—sentiment of national and continental pride cultivated through gallery and foundation work.

Personal Notes:

Daughter of 18th Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Michael Sonariwo (died 2016)

Self-described as “woman of many worlds” reflecting global Africanist consciousness

Rele Arts Foundation & Institutional Framework

Mission Statement

“A non-profit initiative that aims to engage and drive the practice and reception of contemporary art in Africa while exploring the role of art as a tool for social change and positive impact.”

Two Primary Programmes

1. Young Contemporaries (YC)

Established: 2016
For: Emerging/early-career artists under 35
Duration: 6-9 months comprehensive programme
Components:

• 2-week intensive virtual bootcamp with leading artists and curators as facilitators/mentors
• Residency in Ado-Ekiti (location in Ekiti State, Nigeria)
• Mentorship on critical thinking, global artistic practice, social media presence, artwork handling
• Weekly stipends during programme
• Annual exhibition at Rele Gallery Lagos showcasing culmination of bootcamp and residency

Track Record: Since 2016, 9+ editions producing impressive alumni including:

• Chidinma Nnoli (painter)
• Marcellina Akpojotor (textile artist, nearly sold out Art Basel Miami 2021)
• Tonia Nneji (painter, women’s health themes)
• Logor Oluwamuyiwa (photographer)
• Many others now exhibiting internationally

2. The R2 Space

For: Mid-career artists 35 and upwards
Focus: Independent research and project development
Structure: More flexible, self-directed than YC programme

Rele Gallery – Exhibition Platform

Three Locations:

Lagos, Nigeria:
32D Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos State
Opened: 2015 (Military Street, Onikan); Moved 2022 to larger Ikoyi space
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm
Entry: Free

Los Angeles, USA:
Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
Opened: 2021
First African contemporary art gallery in Los Angeles

London, UK:
Opened: 2024

Gallery Focus:

• Representing emerging and established artists from Africa and diaspora
• 10+ exhibitions annually
• Participation in major art fairs (Art Basel Miami, Art Dubai, Armory Show New York)
• Collaboration with global brands and institutions (JP Morgan Chase, Samsung, Fowler Museum UCLA, British Council, Goethe-Institut)

Description: “Home away from home for artists” fostering cultural exchange and innovation

The R2 Space Programme Details

Eligibility & Target Demographic

Age: 35 and upwards (mid-career)

Geographic: African and diaspora artists globally

Disciplines: Various disciplines and backgrounds:

• Visual arts (all media)
• Curators
• Art writers
• Researchers
• Multidisciplinary practitioners

Professional Level:
Artists who have demonstrated:

• Critical and rigorous approach to artistic practice and research
• Relevance of proposed project to contemporary art discourse
• Committed and engaged attitude to practice

Duration & Capacity

Residency Length: 1-3 months depending on:

• Participant’s requirements
• Available slots

Exact start dates determined upon successful acceptance

Annual Capacity: 12-36 spots per year

This range suggests:

• Variable residency lengths (1 month = more residents, 3 months = fewer)
• Flexible scheduling throughout year
• Potential for overlap between residents

Application Timeline

Open: January to December (rolling applications year-round)

Process:

• Applications accepted continuously
• Review ongoing
• Selection as slots become available
• Flexible start dates negotiated upon acceptance

Financial Support

Monthly Stipend: $500 USD per month during residency

Duration Examples:

• 1 month residency = $500 total
• 2 months = $1,000 total
• 3 months = $1,500 total

What Stipend Covers: Not explicitly stated, but typically intended for:

• Living expenses in Lagos
• Materials (potentially supplemented)
• Local transportation
• Food and daily necessities

Artist Responsibilities:

Likely covers (confirm with Foundation):

• International travel to/from Lagos
• Visa fees
• Accommodation (or possibly included—unclear from materials)
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses beyond stipend

Workspace & Facilities

Primary Location: 32D Thompson Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos

Space Provided:

“Provision of space” during residency for project development and materialization

Gallery Context:

Residency situated within active gallery environment offering:

• Exposure to ongoing exhibitions and contemporary art discourse
• Networking with visiting artists, collectors, curators
• Professional atmosphere of established gallery
• Access to Lagos art scene through gallery connections

Facilities at Ikoyi Location:

• Larger space than previous Onikan location (moved 2022)
• Ample space for artists to fully express ideas
• Professional gallery with contemporary aesthetic
• Free public access Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-6pm

Confirmed NOT Included:

• Specific studio equipment (bring or source materials)
• Specialized technical facilities
• Dedicated individual studios (workspace model unclear)

Project Development Support

Philosophy:

“The residency is conceived as a place for independent practice and residents would be responsible for defining the outline and activities of their stay.”

This Means:

• Self-directed programme structure
• Artist determines project goals, timeline, methods
• No mandatory outcomes beyond optional presentation
• Flexibility in how time is used
• Independent scheduling of activities

Foundation Staff Support:

“Foundation staff would be available to assist the residents during their stay”

Assistance likely includes:

• Orientation to Lagos
• Connections to local artists and resources
• Logistical support
• Guidance on materials sourcing
• Networking facilitation
• Gallery presentation coordination (if desired)

Encouraged Focus: Lagos Engagement

“The Foundation encourages applications that focus on a critical engagement with the city of Lagos but we are also open to other explorations and areas of research.”

Priority Projects:

Critical Engagement with Lagos:

• Urban research and documentation
• Social issues in megacity context
• Lagos art scene investigation
• Community-based work
• Cultural heritage exploration
• Migration and urban growth themes
• Contemporary Nigerian society

Also Welcome:

• Other research areas and explorations
• Studio-based development not site-specific
• Theoretical or conceptual projects
• Archive-based research
• Practice development independent of location

Exhibition Opportunity

“Option to present their project in the gallery space”

Presentation Options:

• Exhibition at Rele Gallery Lagos
• Solo or group show (depending on programme)
• Work-in-progress presentation
• Final project showcase
• Public talk or panel discussion

Not Mandatory: Artists may choose not to present if project unsuitable or incomplete

Benefit:

• Professional gallery platform with established audience
• International reputation of Rele Gallery
• Documentation and professional photography
• Marketing and PR through gallery channels
• Collector exposure and potential sales
• Career advancement through exhibition CV entry

Language Requirement

English: Participants expected to have working knowledge of English to:

• Converse with fellow residents
• Communicate with staff members
• Possibly collaborate with other artists
• Navigate Lagos (though Yoruba also widely spoken)

Application Process

Required Materials

1. Project Proposal
Maximum 500 words stating:

• Goals of residency stay
• Purpose of project
• Why Lagos/R2 Space is appropriate venue
• Expected outcomes or explorations
• Timeline considerations

2. Documentation of Recent Work
Maximum 25 pages including:

• Images of artworks
• Installation views
• Work samples
• Dating back no longer than 5 years
• For large files (videos): Insert link to server/website/YouTube/Vimeo
• Ensure all external links work

3. CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Maximum 2 pages covering:

• Education
• Exhibition history
• Awards and residencies
• Publications and press
• Collections
• Professional activities

Submission Method

Email: info@releartfoundation.org

Subject line: Suggested: “R2 Space Residency Application – [Your Name]”

Format: Compile all materials into organized submission

Selection Criteria

Assessment based on:

1. Quality and aim of your work

• Artistic excellence
• Conceptual rigor
• Technical proficiency
• Distinctive voice

2. Approach to critical thinking and reflection

• Intellectual depth
• Contextual awareness
• Contemporary discourse engagement
• Research methodology

3. Relevance and purpose of residency at The R2 Space

• Why R2 Space specifically
• How residency advances practice
• Realistic project scope for timeframe
• Potential contribution to Lagos art community

Selection Committee

Not specified—likely includes:

• Adenrele Sonariwo (Founding Director)
• Rele Arts Foundation staff
• Possibly external advisors or curators
• Gallery team members

Lagos Context

Location: Ikoyi, Lagos

Ikoyi Neighborhood:

• Upscale, affluent area of Lagos
• Refined, calm atmosphere compared to busier districts
• Mix of residential and commercial
• Cultural institutions nearby (galleries, museums)
• Good infrastructure relative to rest of Lagos
• Proximity to Victoria Island business district

Thompson Avenue:

• Accessible location in Ikoyi
• Gallery easily reachable by various transport
• Safe, well-maintained area

Lagos Megacity

Africa’s Largest City: 21+ million people

Cultural Capital of Nigeria:

• Vibrant contemporary art scene
• ART X Lagos – major annual art fair
• Lagos Biennial – international art event
• Numerous galleries: Kó Art Space, Tiwani Contemporary, Omenka Gallery, Art Twenty-One, Thought Pyramid, etc.
• National Museum Lagos
• Growing collector base
• International attention to Nigerian contemporary art

Creative Industries:

• Nollywood – world’s second-largest film industry
• Afrobeats music – global phenomenon
• Fashion and design innovation
• Literary community (Lagos as publishing hub)
• Performance and theatre

Challenges:

• Traffic congestion (notorious, plan extra travel time)
• Power infrastructure (frequent outages, generators common)
• High cost of living in expat/affluent areas
• Security considerations (stay aware, take precautions)
• Overwhelming pace for newcomers

Opportunities:

• Creative energy and innovation
• Resourcefulness born from infrastructure challenges
• Warm hospitality and vibrant social culture
• Networking with dynamic art community
• Cultural richness and diversity
• Market for contemporary art growing rapidly

Access to Lagos

International:
Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) – major African hub

Visa:
Most nationalities can obtain Nigeria visa through embassy or e-visa system (research current requirements carefully)

Within Lagos:

• Uber/Bolt ride-hailing apps widely used
• Lagos ride (local app)
• Taxis (negotiate fare in advance)
• Danfo minibuses (chaotic but authentic)
• Okada motorcycle taxis (fast but riskier)
• Private car hire for longer stays

What Makes R2 Space Unique

Mid-Career Focus:

• Rare residency specifically for 35+ artists
• Recognizing different needs of established practitioners
• Contrast to youth-focused programmes

Tri-Continental Gallery Platform:

• Access to Lagos, Los Angeles, London exhibition opportunities
• International network through founder’s connections
• Potential future shows across three continents

Independent Practice Model:

• Self-directed programme
• No mandatory outcomes (except optional presentation)
• Flexibility for diverse research approaches
• Respects artist autonomy

Rolling Applications:

• Apply anytime January-December
• Flexible start dates
• No single competitive deadline

Gallery Integration:

• Residency within functioning professional gallery
• Exposure to exhibitions, openings, collectors
• Professional environment and standards
• Optional high-quality presentation platform

Founder’s Expertise:

• Venice Biennale curator experience
• International art fair participation
• Gallery representation knowledge
• Career development understanding

Lagos Immersion:

• Africa’s largest city as research site
• Vibrant art scene with many galleries and institutions
• Contemporary issues (urbanization, migration, identity)
• Cultural dynamism across creative sectors

Reasonable Stipend:

• $500/month helps offset costs
• Combined with independent practice freedom
• Modest but helpful support

Young Contemporaries Connection:

• Potential mentorship of YC participants
• Exposure to emerging talent pipeline
• Intergenerational exchange within Foundation

Track Record & Reputation

Rele Gallery Since 2015:

• 9+ years of operation and growth
• Expansion to three international locations
• Participation in major art fairs
• Representation of artists achieving international recognition
• Nearly sold-out booth at Art Basel Miami 2021 (Marcellina Akpojotor)

Young Contemporaries Since 2016:

• 9+ editions successfully completed
• Impressive alumni now represented by galleries globally
• National Museum Lagos hosted 5th anniversary exhibition
• Established reputation as premier emerging artist programme

R2 Space:

• Newer programme (exact launch year unclear from materials)
• Less public documentation than YC
• Growing as Foundation expands capacity

Foundation Impact:

Described in ArtReview as example of Nigerian women reshaping art philanthropy through “hybrid institutions simultaneously nurturing emerging and established artists while generating local and global market access.”

Strategic Considerations for Applicants

Best Suited For:

• Mid-career artists 35+ with established practice
• Self-motivated practitioners comfortable with independent structure
• Those interested in Lagos as research site or context
• Artists seeking international platform through Rele Gallery network
• Professionals able to finance travel and potentially accommodation beyond stipend
• Flexible personalities adapting to Lagos challenges
• Networkers benefiting from gallery connections
• Those valuing presentation opportunity in professional gallery

Less Suitable For:

• Early-career/emerging artists (apply to Young Contemporaries instead)
• Artists requiring extensive technical support or specialized facilities
• Those needing structured programming and daily guidance
• Practitioners on tight budgets ($500/month modest for Lagos living)
• Artists uncomfortable with megacity chaos and infrastructure challenges
• Those expecting dedicated private studios (workspace model unclear)

Application Strategy:

1. Age verification – Clearly 35+ (YC is under 35)
2. Strong project proposal connecting to contemporary art discourse
3. Demonstrate critical thinking in artist statement and past work
4. Lagos connection advantageous but not mandatory
5. Recent work (within 5 years) showing consistent development
6. Realistic scope for 1-3 month timeframe
7. Clear articulation of why R2 Space specifically
8. Professional CV with exhibition history
9. Working links for video/large files
10. Clear writing in English (language requirement)

Questions to Ask:

• Accommodation arrangements and costs
• What stipend covers vs. artist expenses
• Workspace configuration (shared/private?)
• Materials and equipment available
• Past R2 Space residents and projects
• Gallery presentation logistics and support
• Typical resident profiles and disciplines
• Lagos orientation and safety briefings
• Staff support specifics
• Visa assistance availability

Contact & Next Steps

Rele Arts Foundation
32D Thompson Avenue
Ikoyi, Lagos State, Nigeria

Email: info@releartfoundation.org
Phone: +234 809-321-5460
Website: http://www.releartsfoundation.org
Gallery Website: http://www.rele.co

Social Media:

• Instagram: @rele.gallery / @releartsfoundation
• Follow for exhibition announcements and artist features

To Apply:

1. Review eligibility (35+, African/diaspora, relevant practice)
2. Develop strong project proposal (500 words max)
3. Compile recent work documentation (25 pages max)
4. Prepare professional CV (2 pages max)
5. Ensure all video links functional
6. Email complete application to info@releartfoundation.org
7. Await response from selection committee
8. If accepted, negotiate start dates and logistics

To Learn More:

1. Visit Rele Gallery website exhibitions and artist pages
2. Research Young Contemporaries alumni work
3. Follow gallery social media for current programming
4. Read interviews with Adenrele Sonariwo
5. Contact info email with specific questions
6. Review Lagos travel guides and art scene articles

Join a residency programme that bridges independent practice with professional gallery support, offering mid-career African and diaspora artists $500 monthly stipend, flexible 1-3 month durations, and optional presentation platform within one of Africa’s most dynamic contemporary art galleries—founded by a Venice Biennale curator who believes in “triggering new audiences” while providing artists space to “express freely” in Lagos, the creative capital of Africa’s most populous nation.