ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to the 9 Artists accepted for Residency in the February 3 – April 1, 2025, Southern California program.
MARCKNLEYA
The Artists for the September 16 – November 11, 2025, Residency will be announced on July 31, 2025.
NKA BUN DU ART RESIDENCY
The phrase Nka bun du translates to “Art is Life” in Igbo. The Nka bun du Art Residency program founded by Kevin Mambo for the sole purpose of showcasing the length and breadth of African Art. This Art Residency will provide a dais for a wider cultural exchange between the community of Southern California and burgeoning African Artists. The Nka bun du Residency program awards fully sponsored residencies to approximately 50 local, national, and international artists each year. Residencies of seven to eight weeks include studio space, chef-prepared meals, housing, travel and living expenses.
Residents become part of a dynamic community of artists participating in our programs, allowing for exchange and collaborative relationships to develop within the artist community on campus. Artists selected for this program are at all career stages and work in all media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, video, new media, installation, fiction and nonfiction writing, poetry, dance, music, interdisciplinary, social practice, and architecture.
PROGRAM GOALS
- To invest in individuals at the cutting edge of artistic fields and whose work has potential to have significant cultural and social impact.
- To support artists to explore and experiment to take their work to the next level.
- To build a nurturing and dynamic community of local, national, and international artists and thinkers.
- To encourage artists to develop ideas and work within the context of the Southern California District.
- To bring national and international artists to the Bay Area to engage and have cross-cultural exchange with local artists and audiences.
PROGRAM DETAILS
- Fully sponsored 4- to 10-week residencies
- Paid roundtrip airfare
- 100- to 2000-sq.-foot studios
- Private bedroom in shared house
- Chef-prepared meals per week
- Access to vehicles on site
- Up to 15 Artists in Residence living on site
- Field trips to Bay Area museums, galleries, and cultural venues
- Become part of Nka bun du Alumni Network
ABOUT
Our aim is to not only share Art but also to bridge cultures and contribute to the vibrant Art scene of Southern California. We believe that by introducing unique perspectives and experiences to Southern California, we can foster cultural exchange and create a game-changing impact on the local community. At Nka bu ndu Art Residency, we pride ourselves on accommodating a wide range of Artistic styles and genres including but not limited to painting, sculpture, or photography, we embrace diversity and welcome Artists from various disciplines.
Our residency program provides Artists with space, resources, and collaboration opportunities to create and develop their Art. Mentorship is a key aspect of our program. Experienced mentors provide valuable insights, critique, and guidance to help Artists grow. We also assist in building portfolios, expanding networks, and gaining exposure through exhibitions in the United States.
BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Burrows, Theresa Ross, Fikile Mandela