Delfina Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating artistic exchange and developing creative practice through residencies, partnerships, and public programming.
With the support of the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute, Delfina Foundation welcomes applications from artists, curators, and artist-curators based in Ukraine for an eight-week residency in London, taking place from 20 July to 11 September 2026.
This residency opportunity is part of a wider project initiated by the British Council, Arts Council England, Creative Scotland, and Arts Council Wales / Wales International, designed to establish a programme of residencies for artists affected by war and conflict. The programme will host nine artists and cultural professionals from Lebanon, Yemen, Palestine (OPE), and Ukraine at leading UK institutions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland – covering art forms from contemporary visual arts to literature and film.
This initiative builds on a pilot project held in Scotland in 2023 during the UK/Ukraine Season of Culture, delivered by the British Council in partnership with Creative Scotland. The aim is to provide creative practitioners from countries affected by war and conflict with valuable quiet time, care, and connections with the UK cultural sector – supporting their practice and, through them, their local communities.
Each year, Delfina Foundation runs four three-month residency seasons dedicated either to ‘open’ independent research or to ‘thematic’ collective exploration. This residency will take place during the organisation's ‘open’ summer season 2026.
Residency Activities
In addition to providing time and space for independent work, the residency programme includes:
- opportunities to meet artists, curators, academics, and researchers through organised presentations, studio visits, events, and shared meals;
- professional development sessions such as portfolio reviews, crits, and mentoring;
- informal peer exchange between residents;
- guided visits to museums, galleries, non-profits, artist-run spaces, and institutions outside London.
A one-minute introduction video to Delfina Foundation can be watched here.
Travel and Living Support
The selected participant will receive:
- an eight-week residency at Delfina Foundation;
- return economy-class flight;
- airport transfers in the UK;
- visa fee reimbursement (if required);
- living allowance of £500 per week;
- materials budget of £800;
- local travel pass;
- single bedroom at Delfina Foundation with shared facilities (bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, library, laundry);
- access to both structured group activities and independent engagement with the UK art scene.
Application Eligibility
Applicants must be:
- citizens or long-term residents of Ukraine (priority will be given to those who have not previously lived or participated in residencies in the UK);
- seeking an opportunity to develop their practice through research;
- able to explain how this international residency will benefit their career and local networks;
- proficient in English.
How to Apply
Before applying, please carefully read the Guidance Notes, which include all programme details and eligibility criteria.
To apply, complete and submit the online application form available here.
We strongly recommend reading the Guidance Notes before starting your application.
Application deadline:
Sunday, 26 October 2025, 23:59 (BST).