Call for Applications: Cartoonist Residency Program

Are you a talented young cartoonist passionate about cultural advocacy and artistic collaboration? Apply now for the Cartoonist Residency Program—an empowering opportunity designed to support young African cartoonists through virtual and in-person learning, creative exchange, and cultural advocacy.


Program Overview:

The Cartoonist Residency Program aims to nurture emerging cartoonists, promoting diversity and artistic exchange, while advocating for increased public investment in Africa’s cultural industries. A central goal is to push for 1% of national budgets to be allocated to culture by 2030. The Cartoonist Residency is part of the Connect for Culture Africa (CfCA) initiative, a regional program dedicated to strengthening the cultural sectors across the continent. CfCA aims to raise awareness about the importance of public funding for the arts, highlighting its potential to enhance cultural development and sustainability throughout Africa.


Residency Format:

Physical Residency

    • Dates: Dec 08 – Dec 20, 2025

    • Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    • Requirement: Participants must attend the residency in person during this period.

    • The program will cover flights, accommodation, meals, and basic expenses during the residency.


Virtual Residency

    • Participants will engage in collaborative projects, workshops, and mentorship sessions, both before and after the physical residency.


Who Can Apply?

  • Age: Open to artists aged 18-35 years.

  • Nationality: Applicants must be from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

  • We welcome applications from both cartoonists and digital artists

  • Language: Proficiency in English is required to participate in both the virtual and physical components.


Selection Process

  • Pre-Selection: A shortlist of candidates will be created based on submitted portfolios.

  • Motivational Statement & Creative Work: Shortlisted candidates will be requested to submit a motivational statement and a sample of creative work aligned with the residency’s advocacy theme.

  • Final Selection: Artists will be selected based on portfolio strength, project vision, motivational statement, and alignment with the advocacy goals.


Residency Commitment

  • Actively participate in both virtual and physical components of the residency.

  • Create original works that align with the program’s advocacy goals.

  • Engage with mentors, peers, and cultural organizations to foster collaboration.


Final Exhibition

At the end of the residency, participants will showcase their work in a final exhibition to highlight the role of cartoon art in promoting cultural advocacy. The works will be displayed on both digital and physical platforms, reaching diverse audiences across Africa.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and portfolio by Nov 1. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Send applications to cfcafrica@selam.se with the subject line "Cartoonist Residency program"