African Female Artist Mentorship Program 2026-2027

Deadline: October 30, 2026

Applications are open for the African Female Artist Mentorship Program 2026-2027. Girl Child Art Foundation created the African Female Artist Mentorship Program in response to the need to empower and support young African female artists to succeed in the creative industry, providing additional support beyond GCAF’s successful art workshops, exhibitions, and other art-based educational programs.

The AFA Mentorship Program is designed to support the individual artistic methods and professional ambitions of emerging female artists in Africa by providing access to the skills and experience of selected mentors. AFAM is a specialized art program developed specifically for female artists who are clear about what they would like to learn or those seeking a one-on-one lesson style.

Mentees are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to their practice, the clarity and level of ambition outlined in their goals for the program, and the ability of the applicant to utilize the program to its fullest potential.

Eligibility

Mentees are FEMALE artists in the early stages of their careers as professional artists; aged 19- 40 years; African.

Individuals enrolled in post-secondary study are ineligible to participate.

Application

Mentee artists must submit

A letter of application – Describe your experience as an artist (art practice/ studio activity )over the last year. What are your goals for this program? How would your current work benefit from the program? How will you devote adequate time to the development of your work while balancing other commitments? What challenges do you have in your practice, and what are you currently doing to overcome those challenges? (max 2 pages)

10 JPEG images or 10 short videos (max 5 minutes each) with an accompanying annotated image list (including title, date, medium, dimensions). You can also submit any combination of images and videos for a total of 10 submissions.

One letter of reference – from an established artist or curator with experience with your work. This letter should demonstrate that you are a good candidate for the program. Also include the names and contact information of additional references who have experience with your work.

A link to your website or a resume/cv (max 2 pages)

Email a copy of your Application Proposal by October 30, 2026, to: [email protected]

For more information, visit AFAMP.

Individuals enrolled in post-secondary study are ineligible to participate.

Mentees are FEMALE artists in the early stages of their careers as professional artists; aged 19- 40 years; African. Individuals enrolled in post-secondary study are ineligible to participate.

Application

Mentee artists must submit

A letter of application – Describe your experience as an artist (art practice/ studio activity )over the last year. What are your goals for this program? How would your current work benefit from the program? How will you devote adequate time to the development of your work while balancing other commitments? What challenges do you have in your practice, and what are you currently doing to overcome those challenges? (max 2 pages) 10 JPEG images or 10 short videos (max 5 minutes each) with an accompanying annotated image list (including title, date, medium, dimensions). You can also submit any combination of images and videos for a total of 10 submissions. One letter of reference – from an established artist or curator with experience with your work. This letter should demonstrate that you are a good candidate for the program. Also include the names and contact information of additional references who have experience with your work.

A link to your website or a resume/cv (max 2 pages)

Email a copy of your Application Proposal by October 30, 2026, to: [email protected]

For more information, visit AFAMP.

Mentee artists must submit: A letter of application – Describe your experience as an artist (art practice/ studio activity )over the last year. What are your goals for this program? How would your current work benefit from the program? How will you devote adequate time to the development of your work while balancing other commitments? What challenges do you have in your practice, and what are you currently doing to overcome those challenges? (max 2 pages) 10 JPEG images or 10 short videos (max 5 minutes each) with an accompanying annotated image list (including title, date, medium, dimensions). You can also submit any combination of images and videos for a total of 10 submissions. One letter of reference – from an established artist or curator with experience with your work. This letter should demonstrate that you are a good candidate for the program. Also include the names and contact information of additional references who have experience with your work. A link to your website or a resume/cv (max 2 pages) Email a copy of your Application Proposal by October 30, 2026, to: [email protected]