Since 2010, the Tiroche DeLeon and Africa First Residencies have invited emerging artists to develop their practice through research, exploration, and cross-cultural exchange. Whether hosted in Israel or in collaboration with other international residencies, artists are introduced to the local art scenes, visit museums and galleries, and share their work in open studio sessions with curators, collectors, and gallerists.
While the program originated in Israel, it has since expanded to include collaborations with institutions, art fairs, and galleries in Europe and Africa. These partnerships provide artists with meaningful learning, space for creation, and exhibitions that introduce their work to new audiences.
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Africa 1:1 Lab - Residency
Subtitle 15 Mar - 18 May 2023 Co-produced by Africa First and AKKA Projects, the Africa 1:1 LAB was a unique artist residency project that set up an incubative milieu for 5 young African artists to experience... Read more -
Franklyn Dzingai & Wilfrid Timire
4 Nov 2022 Wilfred Timire and Franklyn Dzingai, the two recipients of the artHARARE Africa First Art prize from Zimbabwe, who respectively created work on residencies in Accra, Ghana, and Cape Town, South... Read more -
Simphiwe Mbunyuza Residency in South Africa
1 Jun - 1 Sep 2022 There is something about Simphiwe’s work that strikes you when you behold it. It can’t quite be placed. The works transport your mind in different directions, but his language and... Read more -
Mongezi Ncaphayi
1 Nov - 1 Dec 2019 It was a pleasure to host the artist and inaugural winner of the Investec Cape Town Art Fair Africa First Award, Mongezi Ncaphayi (b. 1983, South Africa) in Tel Aviv... Read more
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Cyrus Kabiru
3 Jan - 10 Feb 2019 It was a pleasure to have renowned artist Cyrus Kabiru (b. 1984, Nairobi, Kenya) as our artist in residence, from January 3 until February 10, 2019. Kabiru created intricate sculptural... Read more -
Robel Temesgen & Dawit Abebe
4 Nov - 10 Dec 2018 We thoroughly enjoyed hosting Dawit Abebe and Robel Temesgen for a dual residency focusing on intricate works on paper. Dawit Abebe , (b. 1978, Ethiopia) graduated from the Alle School... Read more -
Wycliffe Mundopa, Helen Teede & Gresham Nyaude
1 Jul - 1 Aug 2018 In July and August 2018, Africa First and START hosted three emerging Zimbabwean painters—Gresham Tapiwa Nyaude, Wycliffe Mundopa, and Helen Teede—for a residency in Tel Aviv. Nyaude, raised in Mbare,... Read more -
Sadikou Oukpedjo at The African Studies Gallery
1 Apr - 1 May 2018 Sadikou Oukpedjo arrived in Israel in April 2018 to take part in the International Ceramics Symposium at the Umm al-Fahm Art Gallery, followed by a residency in Tel Aviv with... Read more
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Nirit Takele's first international residency
1 Apr - 1 Jun 2018 Nirit Takele was born in Ethiopia in 1985 and made Aliyah to Israel with her family in 1991 during the Solomon Operation - a covert Israeli military operation that transported... Read more -
Mario Macilau and Terrence Musekiwa residency
1 Oct - 10 Dec 2016 Tel Aviv is a city characterized by the overt juxtaposition of old and new, high and low. When touring the streets of the city, it is impossible not to notice... Read more -
Isabelle Grobler
1 Jul - 9 Sep 2015 Isabelle Grobler (b. 1982, Pretoria) grew up in Bloemfontein, South Africa, spending her childhood between town and the family farm. After a career as a Junior Springbok hockey player, she... Read more -
Ruben Pang
1 Apr - 1 May 2015 Ruben Pang (b. 1990, Singapore) graduated in 2010 with a BA in Fine Art from LASALLE College of the Arts. Identified early on as one of the rising stars of... Read more