Imvelo Artist in Residency Program
Imvelo Studios, is an artist-driven initiative that serves as a project space, exhibition and research center, cultural archive, and artist residency. Its primary objective is to nurture the growth and development of Zambia’s contemporary art scene by providing a platform for both local and international artists. By offering diverse programming and research interests, Imvelo Studios aims to highlight significant moments in Zambian and global art within a shared, communal space.
The centre is managed by a dedicated and passionate team that generates critical discourse and facilitates the exchange of ideas through exhibitions, publications, and related activities. Imvelo Studios is committed to promoting art and cultural practices that emerged in the 20th century while inspiring new generations of artists and thinkers in the 21st century and beyond.
Originally conceptualized as a studio space, Imvelo Studios takes inspiration from its natural surroundings, offering its artists a refuge from city life. This unique approach allows for the creation of a versatile environment for art production and exhibition, pushing the boundaries of traditional exhibition spaces and providing artists with the freedom to explore and expand their ideas.
Imvelo Studios also offers artist residencies, enabling artists to focus on producing a body of work or developing their practice within a specific context-based exhibition – a rarity in Zambia. The center acknowledges the vital role artists play in supporting the regional cultural scene and bridging the gap between older and younger generations of artists. Overall, Imvelo Studios envisions itself as more than just a contemporary art space. It aims to become an institution that inspires a generation of young people across various disciplines, transcending the conventional boundaries of art and creativity.
Located in the city of Lusaka, Imvelo Artist Residency program was launched in 2024 with the aim to support, encourage and promote contemporary creation in Zambia and worldwide. The program is open to all artists, and selection is based on a portfolio, nature and quality of ones artistic practice. Imvelo studios provides selected artists with the space, time, support, resources and equipment they need to create their artistic project. The residencies culminates in a solo exhibitions as well as Artist Talks and engagements. The selected artists stay for 3 months and after wards they are given a space to have a solo exhibition. Since it’s inception a few prominent artists have taken part in the residency program, including Mulenga Chafilwa, and Geoffrey Phiri.
If you are an artist and would like to apply to take part in the residency program, please send your portfolio, covering letter and artistic project to: info@imvelostudios.com
