Applications for the 2026 residency are now open.
Apply via the application form here.
After the resounding success of the first edition of the Optibac Artist Residency in the school year 25/26, this innovative residency returns for its second edition. The aim is to bring a professional Ghanaian artist to the school for a three-month period, providing both the students and the artist with a unique and valuable opportunity for growth and exposure.
The residency will serve as a bridge between the children and the vibrant world of local art, offering them the chance to learn directly from a successful Ghanaian artist. By interacting with the artist, the students will gain insight into the creative process, the challenges and rewards of being an artist, and the possibility of pursuing a career in the arts. The hope is that this exposure will inspire the children, sparking their imaginations and encouraging them to see art as a viable and fulfilling career path.
For the artist, the residency provides a platform to inspire and engage with a new generation of young minds while gaining significant visibility within both local and international circles. It is intended to create a fulfilling, exciting, and potentially life-changing opportunity for a Ghanaian artist.
Another key aim of the residency is to develop the Optibac Art Department and Visual Arts programme at Awutu Winton School. We hope the chosen artist will be willing to assess the department, identify key opportunities for growth, and apply their artistic flair and innovation to help shape a more dynamic and engaging arts curriculum. As the programme is very much a work in progress, the artist's input will be invaluable in laying a strong foundation for its future.
At the end of the residency, the artist's work will be showcased in an exhibition in Accra. This exhibition will not only celebrate the artist's talent, but also provide them with exposure, helping to expand their professional network and increase their presence in the art scene.
By bridging the school and art communities, this residency aims to support both the development of the students and the artist's career.
Residency includes:
- Accommodation for the full duration of the 13-week residency
- Monthly stipend of GHS 5,000 for food and expenses
- Expenses for artists' materials
- Gallery exhibition in Accra
Aims/Expectations:
- Complete a three-month residency at Awutu Breku Senior High School
- Lead three classes per week with our students
- Offer additional extracurricular art sessions outside school hours (optional but encouraged)
- Inspire students by sharing your journey as an artist and providing insight into art as a viable career path
- Introduce students to new art styles, materials, and creative techniques
- Produce a body of original artwork during the residency, to be exhibited in a gallery
- One piece of artwork to be donated to the school
Requirements:
- Candidates must be Ghanaian citizens, ideally born and raised in Ghana.
- We are accepting applications from full time, professional visual artists.
- Experience teaching is a bonus. Ideas and enthusiasm for leading lessons is a requirement.
- The ideal candidate will have exhibited their work in numerous multi-artist shows and perhaps a few solo exhibitions, either locally or internationally.
Timeframes
- Applications openOctober 2026
- Interviews conductedNovember 2026
- Successful applicant announcedNovember 2026
- ResidencyDates to be agreed with the successful artist, taking into consideration their availability while ensuring the residency aligns with the school calendar and timetable
- ExhibitionTBC
Testimonials from previous Artists in Residence
My artist residency at Awutu Winton was a rewarding experience. Alongside developing my own practice, I loved teaching students who were eager to learn and create, and the teachers, especially in the Visual Arts Department, made me feel welcome and part of the school.
Together we made several paintings and a large school mural that brought students from different disciplines together. Some told me it was the most exciting time they'd had at the school for art, and that they'd gained a better understanding of painting and other techniques.
The residency also gave me space to reflect, experiment and find new inspiration. It reinforced my belief in art's power to connect people, and I'd gladly do it again.
Thank you to EDP Trust, Optibac, the director, the headmaster, the teachers and the students for their support and enthusiasm.
My three-month artist residency at Awutu Winton Senior High School was a truly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. One of the things that meant the most to me was working with the students, especially those who struggled with drawing and painting. By giving them extra time, demonstrating techniques, and patiently guiding them, I saw how small efforts could make a real difference.
Receiving messages from students after the residency, thanking me for helping them build confidence and understand different approaches to painting, was especially touching. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with students on a creative project, share my knowledge with the Visual Arts teachers, and develop a new body of work that strengthened my portfolio.
The residency added real value to my artistic practice and reminded me how meaningful it is to share what I know and help others grow through art.
I'm deeply grateful to EDP Trust, Optibac, the school director, management, teachers, and students for making this experience possible.
FAQs
Statement of non-discrimination:
The Artist Residency Programme is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all Ghanaian artists regardless of ethnic group, sex, colour, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical ability or disability.
We will not tolerate any behaviour that has the purpose of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Violation of our policies or local laws may result in expulsion from the residency and termination of your stay.
Application Questions
- Can you share your journey and what inspired you to pursue a career as an artist?
- What are the primary sources of inspiration for your artwork, and how do these influences shape your creative process?
- What mediums do you primarily work with, and why do you choose them for your art?
- Do you have experience teaching art? If so, could you provide examples of past teaching roles or workshops you've led?
- Have you held any exhibitions or showcased your work publicly? If yes, could you highlight some notable experiences?
- Where has your art been exhibited or received exposure, both locally and internationally?
- How are you engaged with the Ghanaian art community, and what connections or collaborations have you established within this network?
- How do you envision your role as a mentor during this residency, and what do you hope to achieve through your engagement with the students?
- What impact do you believe art can have on young people, especially in the context of education and personal development?
- How do you see this residency aligning with your personal and professional goals as an artist?
- Please share links to your social media pages and anywhere your art is showcased online?
- Please upload a minimum of 5 pieces of your artwork.
Ready to apply?
Complete the application form here.
Applicants are required to sign in with their Google account. If you do not have one, these are free to create online.