PLATFORM 2020 and No! Wahala Media have launched an open call for Across the Water, a free three-month online residency designed for photographers and visual storytellers exploring the theme of interconnectedness.
This collaborative residency brings together 8–10 artists from Africa, the SWANA (South West Asia and North Africa) region, and the diaspora to examine what connects communities across distance through geography, migration, memory, political history, land, sea, and visual practice.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is aimed at advanced beginner and intermediate practitioners working with photography, moving image, archive, text, sound, or family history who are based in or connected to Africa, SWANA, or the diaspora.
Applicants do not need to have a fully finished project; the residency prioritizes artists with a clear visual direction, strong inquiry, and a commitment to peer exchange and collaborative growth.
What the Residency Includes
The selected artists will participate in:
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- Daily Exchanges & Mapping: Slack discussions and monthly visual mapping sessions.
- Critiques & Guest Sessions: Two group critiques and one guest presentation per month.
- Publication & Showcase: Feature in the December 2026 issue of No! Wahala Magazine, alongside a final online public showcase and PLATFORM 2020 presentation.
- Ongoing Access: Access to No! Wahala workshops and community continuity platforms.
Application Requirements
To apply via the official submission portal, applicants must prepare:
- Portfolio Submission: A single PDF containing 5–8 images from an existing project or work-in-progress (named LastName_FirstName.pdf).
- Project Proposal: A short description of the project or concept you wish to develop (max 300 words).
- Artist Bio: A brief biography (max 150 words).
- Statement of Connection: A short statement explaining your connection to Africa, SWANA, or the diaspora (max 250 words).
- Core Question: One artistic, personal, or formal question you want to carry into the residency (max 100 words).
- (Optional) One additional audio, video, text, or archive file.
How to Apply:
For full details and to submit your application, visit the official website:
https://www.photoplatform2020.com/ apply before August 7, 2026.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
