About the opportunity
The African Female Artist Mentorship Program (AFAMP), created by the Girl Child Art Foundation, is designed to support the individual artistic methods and professional ambitions of emerging female artists in Africa. It provides access to the skills and experience of selected mid-career or established mentors through online and in-person one-on-one meetings, group gatherings, and community events. The program offers a safe, free, and accessible space for young women to grow their talent, explore art forms, and contribute to their communities through exhibitions. The 2026–27 cycle focuses on painting, textile/fibre, ceramics, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture.
Funding and benefits
- Free participation for selected mentees
- One-on-one mentorship meetings with professional artists at least once every two weeks
- Four group mentoring sessions
- Opportunities to participate in community events and contribute to exhibitions
Who can apply?
- Must be female artists in the early stages of their professional art careers
- Aged 19 to 40 years
- Must be of African nationality
- Individuals enrolled in post-secondary study are ineligible to participate
- Must maintain an active studio practice and have created a body of work outside formal training environments
Required documents
- Application letter (maximum 2 pages) describing art practice over the last year, program goals, benefits to current work, time devotion plan, and current challenges
- 10 submissions consisting of JPEG images or short videos (maximum 5 minutes each) with an accompanying annotated image list including title, date, medium, and dimensions
- One letter of reference from an established artist or curator, plus names and contact information of additional references
- Link to personal website OR resume/CV (maximum 2 pages)
When to apply
- Application deadline is October 30, 2026
- Program duration runs for 3 months from January to March (excluding the exhibition period)
How to apply
- Prepare the required application letter, portfolio of 10 images or videos with an annotated list, reference letter with contact info, and website link or resume/CV
- Email the complete application proposal to gcaf@girlchildart.org by October 30, 2026
Additional information
- The 2026/2027 cycle focuses specifically on painting, textile/fibre, ceramics, drawing, printmaking, and sculpture
- Notification of results takes place approximately one month after the application deadline
- Mentors are professional artists living and working in Nigeria with at least ten years of practice
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Emerging female visual artists across Africa who are looking for tailored guidance from established mentors to refine their studio practice.
- Artists who have developed a body of work outside of formal academic institutions and want to exhibit their art.
- Practitioners who can dedicate significant time to their craft and promptly commit to regular one-on-one online and in-person sessions.
What should you think carefully about?
- Enrolled post-secondary students are explicitly ineligible to apply.
- Applicants must be prepared to submit a detailed portfolio of 10 visual works along with an extensive application letter and reference.
- While the program is free, participants must be able to manage their time across a demanding 3-month schedule from January to March.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This mentorship offers a structured pathway for self-taught or independent emerging artists seeking to elevate their professional standing, gain exposure through exhibitions, and overcome specific technical challenges in their chosen medium.
Our take
Early-career African female artists seeking individualized artistic development and professional growth should seriously consider applying before October 30, 2026. Current post-secondary students should note their ineligibility.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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