Gëestu/Giss: Art and Craft Residency with Exhibition 2026

Gëestu/Giss is a new artist–artisan residency set within a spiritual community on the edge of the desert in Senegal, jointly developed by the NGO des Villageois de Ndem and the cultural space Maam Samba (Dakar & Gorée).

Located in the Diourbel region — the heart of Senegal's peanut basin — the residency takes place across two emblematic locations: Mbacké Kadior, a spiritual cradle, and Ndem, an artisanal and agroecological village. It's designed for artists who want to ground their practice in a local context, engaging with traditional skills such as dyeing, embroidery, basketry, and working with cotton, leather, and metal.

The programme unfolds in three phases

Phase 1 – Observation and Research (October 2026): One week in Mbacké Kadior, immersing yourself in the spiritual and cultural landscape of the region.

Phase 2 – Production Residency (October 2026): Two to three weeks based at the Ndem Craft Village, where you'll collaborate with local artisans and create new work.

Phase 3 – Exhibition and Public Presentation (November 2026): A two-week showing at Espace Maam Samba in Dakar, presented as part of the OFF programme of the 2026 Dakar Biennale (19 November – 19 December 2026).

The residency fosters dialogue between contemporary art practice, traditional craftsmanship, and daily community life, within a framework of ecological, cultural, and human responsibility.

What's covered:

• Accommodation and meals
• 2,000 EUR compensation
• 2,000 EUR production budget
• International and local transportation
• Insurance
• Visa fees (if required)

This is a rare opportunity to work deeply within a living craft tradition, produce new work in a remarkable environment, and present it on an international stage at one of Africa's most significant contemporary art events.