DISCOVER INSPIRING ART RESIDENCY PROGRAMMEs IN THE HEART OF TANZANIA

Abstract painting of an elephant with bold, colorful brushstrokes, featuring shades of blue, purple, yellow, and white.

WHERE GLOBAL ARTISTS MEET LOCAL SPIRIT

Nestled on the peaceful outskirts of Arusha, Tanzania Art Residency welcomes artists from around the world to immerse themselves in a setting shaped for focus, inspiration, and creative growth. Our programs offer the time, space, and support to deepen your practice, explore new ideas, and expand your perspective — both artistically and personally.

Studios are set within a lush garden-farm, surrounded by fruit trees, native plants, and the soft sounds of a nearby river. A handmade cob house and open, rustic spaces create a relaxed, earthy atmosphere — ideal for slowing down, staying inspired, and working at your own pace.

Alongside dedicated studio time, we offer optional excursions and creative experiences designed to spark new ways of seeing — from cultural workshops and visits with local artisans to forest walks, coffee farm tours, and unforgettable safaris.

This is more than just a retreat. It’s a vibrant, welcoming community where global creativity meets the warmth and rhythm of Tanzanian life. Whether you're beginning a new project, continuing existing work, or simply making room for reflection, you'll find the environment and freedom to shape your own experience.

Here, artists are encouraged to explore freely, experiment with fresh approaches, and draw inspiration from the land, culture, and energy around them — all while connecting with fellow creatives from diverse backgrounds.

We welcome artists across a wide range of disciplines, including:

  • Visual artists & painters

  • Writers, poets & storytellers

  • Musicians & composers

  • Filmmakers & photographers

  • Designers, performers & interdisciplinary creators


DISCOVER WHAT INSPIRES YOU

Tanzania offers a rich and diverse source of inspiration—whether it’s the land, the people, or the rhythm of daily life, every artist connects differently. Here are just a few experiences that might spark the next idea, direction, or fire for your work.

Abstract painting of three tall, slender African women with black skin and elongated features, wearing colorful jewelry, against a textured warm orange and brown background.

SCENIC LANDSCAPES

Decide to work on your art deep in the heart of Tanzania and experience magical breathtaking sceneries, (or experience them as a treat after completing your work). From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to endless golden savannahs—perfect for sparking fresh visual narratives and immersive reflection…

Impressionist oil painting of a sunset with a white sun, colorful sky in purple, pink, orange, and yellow, and silhouettes of trees on the horizon.

CULTURAL TOURS

Engage with Tanzania’s rich artistic and cultural traditions through immersive experiences—visit Maasai villages, explore vibrant local markets, and take part in hands-on workshops in sculpture and wood carving. These deep-rooted crafts and cultural expressions can spark new perspectives and breathe fresh life into your creative journey…

Artistic watercolor painting of an elephant walking on a dark, textured background.

ADVENTURE SAFARIS

Experience the raw beauty of Tanzania’s wildlife and wilderness—from lions on the Serengeti to elephants in Tarangire, or lay back and relax at the beautiful Indian Ocean beaches.. adventures that awaken the senses and invigorate artistic expression…


UPCOMING RESIDENCIES

A group of Maasai men dressed in traditional red shuka attire, adorned with elaborate bead jewelry, dancing outdoors in front of a colorful, abstract background.

🔹 Residency One — 2026

📅 February 1 – March 31, 2026
🕐 Application Deadline: January 5, 2025
🎨 Spots Available: 10

🔹 Residency Two — 2026

📅 May 1 – June 30, 2026
🕐 Application Deadline: April 5, 2026
🎨 Spots Available: 10

🔹 Residency Three — 2026

📅 August 1 – September 30, 2026
🕐 Application Deadline: July 5, 2026
🎨 Spots Available: 10

🔹 Residency Four — 2026

📅 October 1 – November 30, 2026
🕐 Application Deadline: Septermber 5, 2026
🎨 Spots Available: 10

check out our upcoming residency programmes


MEET OUR FEATURED RESIDENT ARTISTS

Colorful textured painting of a smiling boy with missing teeth, wearing a cap.
A detailed oil painting of an adult man holding a young girl, both with dark skin and black curly hair. The man has a serious expression and wears a green garment. The young girl looks directly forward with a neutral expression.

Victor Tarimo – Resident Artist

Victor is a young visual artist from Kilimanjaro whose work captures the spirit, culture, and landscapes of his home region. He is preparing to join the Tanzania Art Residency, where he looks forward to deepening his practice and exploring new creative directions. Open to collaboration, Victor is especially excited about the chance to connect with international artists and exchange ideas across cultures. We are proud to showcase his growing body of work and to support his artistic journey as he develops his voice on both local and global stages.

Follow his journey on Instagram: @victortarimo_art


David Attar – Resident Artist

Attarmurals is an art movement founded by Tanzanian artist David Attar, based in Northern Tanzania. The movement explores the intersection of art, climate action, and community resilience, using murals and paintings as a medium for storytelling and dialogue. Inspired by local landscapes, culture, and the challenges of human–wildlife coexistence, Attarmurals highlights how climate change shapes daily life for communities living close to nature. Each piece carries a message of balance, resilience, and harmony—blending creativity with advocacy for a sustainable future.

Discover more of his murals and ongoing projects on Instagram: @attarmurals

A colorful watercolor painting of a city street scene features a clock tower on the left, a multi-story building, a man walking, a parked car, and other buildings, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Abstract painting of a woman wearing a red dress, with a blurred face, using broad brushstrokes and multiple colors including red, green, black, and white.

Rémi Leroy - Resident Artist

Rémi is a French artist who has lived between France and Tanzania for the past seven years and has devoted his art practice to painting. Each year, he spends several months in rural Tanzania with his wife, an anthropologist.

Their shared journeys have led them from the source of a mysterious “laughter epidemic” in the equatorial Kagera region to nights in the bush with pastoralist communities near Lake Eyasi, and along the captivating landscapes of the Swahili coast.

Drawing inspiration from these diverse cultures and experiences, Rémi’s watercolor works offer an original and sensitive perspective on the beauty of everyday life.

See more of his work on Instagram: @rem.lry

A watercolor painting of a large, smiling woman's face with dreadlocks, set against a desert landscape with cattle and cowboys. The background features blue vertical panels with cuneiform-like symbols.
A watercolor painting of a young person in athletic attire, wearing a white cap, standing in a relaxed pose with one hand on their hip and the other touching their chin, with a large, abstract, swirling brain outline in the background.

Megan Mary (MM) - Resident Artist

Meg is a Moshi-based artist originally from the United States. Working mainly with acrylic on canvas, paper, and wood, she creates whimsical animals and portraits inspired by her experience as an early-childhood teacher and her love of fairytales and folklore.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Patreon: Days of Lore.

Painting of a giraffe with a blue background, wearing a colorful necklace.
Colorful artificial flowers and butterflies arranged on a wooden surface outdoors.
A colorful painting of four people outdoors, including two children and two women, with one woman in a zebra-striped shirt and the other in a dark clothes, surrounded by a lush green background with a large tree.