Tankwa Artscape Residency 2027

About this call

The Tankwa Artscape Residency runs from 10 to 25 April 2027 in a tented desert camp at Stonehenge Private Reserve in the Tankwa Karoo semi-desert, South Africa. It is supported by Artist in Residence South Africa (AIRSA) in partnership with Tankwa Tented Camp. Artists respond to the desert landscape, its fauna, flora, geology and history, at sites in the nature reserve that have all experienced prior disturbance or human intervention, chosen so as not to disturb the unspoiled terrain. Collaboration between artists is encouraged, and photographers and videographers on site document the artistic process. Accommodation in tents and meals are free, transport between Cape Town and the residency is arranged, and there is limited support for materials. The residency cannot pay travel or artist fees; international artists are asked to seek travel funding from their national agencies, and AIRSA can send selected artists a letter of invitation.

Who can apply

• Open to applicants of any nationality
• Medium: Installation / Sculpture / Mixed Media
• Entry fee: $25
• Open to artists from continental Africa and from elsewhere. Application fee: R250 for artists from continental Africa (the online product includes one year of AIRSA membership), or $25 / €25 / R500 plus transaction fees for artists from elsewhere; pay online via the 2027 Application page or by bank transfer; the application is considered once proof of payment is received. Apply by email to tankwaartscape@gmail.com with the application form saved as a PDF named with your full name (biography up to 250 words, why you are applying up to 250 words, concept up to 500 words), up to 5 images of at most 1 MB each, saved with your name and numbered 1 to 5 (up to 100 words of commentary per image), links to video or audio if any, and proof of payment, all in one email with your full name in the subject line. Applying is a commitment to attend if selected and is not transferable to later residencies. The residency runs 10 to 25 April 2027. The application serves as a liability waiver, and participating artists consent to being filmed and their work documented for non-commercial purposes. Work produced for commercial purposes after the residency must be negotiated in advance to include AIRSA as a 25% beneficiary of sales or commercial use. Stonehenge is 130 km from the nearest shop, so plan any material needs well in advance; pick-ups from and drop-offs at Cape Town airport, 5 hours away, can be organized. The residency does not pay travel or artist fees.