Okay, so this might sound random, but I just came across this artist residency in London, and I genuinely felt like, “Wait — more people should know about this.” Especially if you’re an artist, writer, curator, or just someone creative based in Southeast Asia.
It’s hosted by the Delfina Foundation, and wow — the whole thing is honestly kind of a dream.
You get to spend three months living and working in London (yep, London — as in tea, museums, moody weather, the Tate, etc.) — and it’s all fully funded. Like flights, housing, even your daily expenses are covered. You even get money for materials. I had to double-check to make sure it wasn’t a scam (spoiler: it’s very real and very legit).
So, what’s the deal?
The residency runs from January 6 to March 27, 2026. You’ll be staying in a lovely old townhouse — not some sterile dorm — and you’ll be surrounded by a small group of other creatives from around the world. It’s not about making a big final project. It’s more like, “Here’s space and time and freedom. Go explore something meaningful to you.”
The vibe seems super chill but intentional — like you’ll have access to mentors, conversations, studio visits, dinners, city tours — but you also get to just breathe and reflect. And honestly, who couldn’t use that?
Who can apply?
If you’re from Southeast Asia — countries like Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, etc. — you’re eligible. You just need to be living and working in one of those countries. Doesn’t matter if you’re an emerging artist or more experienced.
And no, they’re not looking for “perfect” artists or polished proposals. They seem to really care about people who are curious, thoughtful, maybe even a bit unsure of their direction — but hungry to grow.
What’s covered?
Almost everything. Like, seriously:
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Flight (round trip)
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Airport transfer
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Visa fees (they’ll pay you back)
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Daily allowance – £40/day, so you can eat and explore without panic
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£1,000 material budget
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Free accommodation in a private room (but you’ll share the house with the other residents — which sounds fun, honestly)
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Free London public transport card
The only thing they don’t cover is travel insurance. So you’d need to sort that yourself — not a big deal.
What will you actually do there?
That’s kind of up to you.
You’ll be part of a small creative family for three months — people from different places and disciplines, all sharing, talking, thinking, laughing. Some days might be about quiet reading. Other days, you might be in museums or talking to curators. You’ll cook together, explore London, maybe discover a whole new direction for your work.
The point is: it’s not about being “productive.” It’s about having space to think and be.
How to apply (and don’t overthink it)
Deadline’s August 17, 2025 — so you’ve got a bit of time, but I wouldn’t sleep on it.
You apply online. You’ll need:
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A CV or resume
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Some samples of your work (images, writing, whatever you do)
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A short personal statement (just be honest — what you care about, why you want to go)
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Two references
That’s it. No crazy paperwork. Just you being real.
Delfina Foundation Residency Program Link
Delfina Foundation Residency Program Form Link
Why this made me emotional
I think what got me about this residency is how… rare it feels.
So many opportunities feel gatekept. You need money, connections, the “right” background. But this? It feels like it’s for people who just need a chance. People doing the work quietly. People who just need space to breathe and create and grow without being pulled in a million directions.
And to do all that in London? For free? With people who get it?
Honestly, if I were eligible, I’d be applying already. So if this even slightly resonates with you — just go for it. Even if you don’t get selected, the act of applying and reflecting on your work could be a gift in itself.
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