5 Art Programs in 2020 for artists like Leonard Da Vinci

Leonardo Da vinci is one of art’s more prominent figures. He is popular in pop culture (even getting a series), history and behind one of the most popular paintings in the world (The Monalisa – which is seen by over 30,000 people daily).

While known for his skill and talent, Leonardo is also known for his procrastination. Many of his works were left uncompleted or took many years to complete especially in comparison to some of his renaissance counterparts like Michaelangelo.

Despite this, how was he able to gain so much more recognition over others for the works he did complete?

Besides his technique, talent and skills in other areas such as design, science, engineering and architecture, Leonardo was a socialite at the time, mixing effortlessly with the great, good and controversial characters of the day in his native Italy.

His celebrity status drew more people to view his works and inadvertently increased the value of his art which continues to skyrocket even today (one of his art was recently purchased by a Saudi prince for $450m). This trend of celebrity artists being able to make more value for their work continues in every field regardless of their skills (which are always high, however) in comparison to other artists.

Davinci’s fame and prominence also allowed him access to wealthy families and royalties who provided him support, allowing him to focus on creating new art. In 1515, the French King invited Leonardo to the royal summer home, Château du Clos Lucé, near Amboise. The young French king had hired the Renaissance master as “The King’s First Painter, Engineer and Architect.” Leonardo lived in the rehabilitated Medieval fortress from 1516 until his death in 1519.

This type of support is now readily available in the form of art residencies which all share one principal goal—to give artists time and space to create their work.  Many offer beautiful venues, culture, facilities and sometimes funding for artists to create, promote their work, experience new cultures, meet new people and work at little or nothing.

Here are 5 programs for creative people in 2020:

1. Artnoise open program

Artnoise 2020 Open Residency is a year-long program designed for Creatives who work in the digital space interested in exploring African arts and take steps in developing their careers and artistic development. This program made of 3-week stays in Lome, London, Accra and Lagos provides time and space for digital creatives such as digital illustrators and painters, video game artists, Youtube content creators and other digital arts professionals to create, research, experiment, cultivate new directions in their work as well as execute new projects. The program costs $350 in total. Apply here

2. Gasworks Residency by Access Bank ART X Prize

The ART X Prize was launched by ART X Lagos, in partnership with Access Bank, to contribute to the continued growth of the visual art sector in Nigeria. Bolatito Aderemi-Ibitola, a multi-disciplinary artist, emerged as the winner, which saw her win a cash grant towards the execution of a compelling project and a solo presentation at the 2018 edition of ART X Lagos, as well as a three-month residency at Gas Works in London in 2019. To apply for the 2020 program, apply for the Access Bank Art X Prize when it opens here.

3. Omenka Art conference

Although not a residency program, Omenka Art Gallery in partnership with Ben Enwonwu Foundation host a series of conferences and classes which educate artists in Nigeria and West Africa about the growing industry and is a good place for an artist to network and get support. Register here

4. Arthouse Foundation Residency

With two residency apartments in the heart of Ikoyi, the Artist Residency Programme is at the heart of the Arthouse Foundation’s activities, offering live/work residencies throughout the year in three-month sessions.

Each resident artist is offered studio space, mentorship, art materials and logistical support for the creation of a new artistic project during their residency that engages the city of Lagos. The Arthouse Foundation Residency Programme includes an intensive public initiative throughout each residency, including an artist’s talk, workshop, open studios and roundtable discussion. The Arthouse Foundation Residency Programme culminates at an end of the year exhibition showcasing the resident’s new artistic projects. Application reopens here

5. Cafe Tissardmine

Cafe Tissardmine is a residency program situated in a remote village in the Moroccan Sahara. The residency is not project-based or requiring specific engagement or outcome but it is a place to find peace and new ideas. Artists from all disciplines are welcome to apply.

A Residency at Cafe Tissardmine is also an opportunity to discover the richness of the Berber culture their way of life, cooking and crafts.

The cost of the residency covers full board, accommodation and some transportation. Application is open here

Other Art programs and residencies are detailed on resartis.org that provide support for creative people.