THE Tyburn Foundation, a not-for-profit visual arts organisation that fosters a dynamic and diverse African art ecosystem, has announced an international residency programme to promote artistic exchange and collaboration between African and global institutions.
Set to launch later this year, the initiative underscores the Foundation’s commitment to supporting African artists through meaningful engagement and professional development.
Based in Umbria, the heart of Italy, the Foundation places cooperation and partnerships at the core of its mission. To inaugurate its residency programme, the Tyburn Foundation has partnered with Civitella Ranieri, a prestigious artist residency nestled in the hills of Umbria. This collaboration offers a transformative platform to elevate contemporary African art, providing artists unparalleled opportunities for creative exploration and international recognition.
In addition, the Foundation introduces The Bridge Visual Arts Residency, a collaborative initiative with Animal Farm Artist Residency in Zimbabwe. Founded and hosted by artist Admire Kamudzengerere, this programme enables early-career artists to immerse themselves in diverse artistic communities, techniques, and cultural landscapes across Zimbabwe.
Furthermore, La Foce Residency will host one artist annually in a dedicated Tyburn residency space in Umbria. The inaugural resident, Michele Mathison (Zimbabwe/South Africa), whose work intersects contemporary sculpture and cultural storytelling, will embark on a large-scale public art project during his stay.
Building on the success of Tyburn Gallery, which nurtured emerging African artists, the Tyburn Foundation continues its mission of supporting early and mid-career African visual artists. Founded by South African art collector and former gallerist Emma Menell, the Foundation is committed to fostering long-term artistic growth, amplifying global visibility, and facilitating professional development.
Emma Menell, Founder and Director, stated: “The Tyburn Foundation seeks to strengthen Africa’s art ecosystem through a dedicated and tailored approach that allows artists the time and space to develop their ideas, free from the commercial pressures of rapid production. Through an international network of residencies and exhibitions, we aim to provide African artists a platform for sustained growth and visibility. We are thrilled to collaborate with Civitella Ranieri, one of Italy’s most esteemed residency programmes, and Animal Farm in Zimbabwe.”
Civitella Ranieri, located in a 15th-century castle in Umbria, allows artists to work independently and collaboratively. One or two artists will be sponsored annually for a six-week residency through the Tyburn Foundation Affiliated Fellowship at Civitella. The inaugural artist for 2025 is South African sculptor Driaan Claassen (b. 1991, South Africa), with Khadija Jayi (b. 1989, Morocco) and Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi (b. 1992, Zimbabwe) slated for 2026.
Alessandra Olivi, Director of the Tyburn Foundation, commented: “This initiative is an extraordinary opportunity not only to support individual artists but also to collaborate with local partners to create a lasting impact on the artistic infrastructure across Africa. Having previously served as a director of Tyburn Gallery, I have witnessed firsthand the power of artistic collaboration and dialogue. With the Tyburn Foundation, we are deepening our commitment to the next generation of African artists, fostering new opportunities for them to shine on the global stage.”
The Bridge Visual Arts Residency offers specialised printmaking training and mentorship under Admire Kamudzengerere, along with valuable exposure and opportunities to engage with local art scenes and communities. The inaugural recipients of this 8-week program are Mbali Tshabalala (South Africa) and Primrose Panashe Chingandu (Zimbabwe) beginning in May 2025.
Each year, the works produced during these residencies will be showcased at the Tyburn Foundation Annual Exhibition, a travelling showcase that will celebrate the artistic achievements of residency participants while providing a global platform for their work.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
and then