Supporting WOMXN in the arts
The Bag Factory is proud to host the annual Bag Factory Young Woman Studio Bursary, generously supported since 2019 by our alumni and renowned South African artist Sam Nhlengethwa.
Now in its 4th year, through an Open Call, the bursary offers an emerging/early career woman/womxn artists - under the age of 35, based in South Africa - with a studio for a period of 12 months within our premises. Applicants who have previously benefited from one of the Bag Factory’s awards or studio bursary programmes are not eligible.
The studios and its community strive for an open, non-hierarchical creative environment that promotes exchange and experimentation. The residency provides the recipients with the opportunity to work alongside talented artists and to meet, work, and grow within South Africa’s economic capital.
What will the successful applicant receive?:
• A fully funded studio bursary for 12 months.
• A studio crit session with Sam Nhlengethwa during the studio residency.
• The opportunity to engage with Bag Factory artists, staff, international visiting artists, and visiting curators.
• The opportunity to be included in Bag Factory exhibitions and creative programmes.
• Applicants should not expect to profit financially from their stay as this is a cultural development programme.
• As this is a studio bursary, applicants will NOT receive any funding towards materials, accommodation or transport.
About the Studio:
• One studio measuring approximately 23m squared.
• Studios are strictly non-residential and are accessible 7 days a week.
• There is WiFi access and studio artists will have access to all communal facilities in the building including a shared kitchen.
The artist is expected to:
• Work from the Bag Factory a minimum of 4 weekdays each week, interacting with Bag Factory and local artists.
• Attend the Bag Factory’s events and artist’s meetings.
• Complete a written report on their residency.
• Arrive on time and stay for the full period (12 months).