Artist Open Call - International Co-Creation Exchange Senegal – UK
Certain Blacks
Dancers, musicians, choreographers, theatre-makers, circus artists, physical theatre performers, writers based in London – we want to hear from you!
Certain Blacks have recently partnered with the KimpaVita – a cultural, pan-African, feminist and eco-responsible initiative supported by the Collektif Sankarista to co-commission a performance to be presented in Senegal and the UK in 2026.Founded in 2021, the KimpaVita aims to raise awareness and mobilise the general public and civil society organisations in support of women’s rights in Africa, by promoting cultural activities in an eco-responsible pan-African approach. Find further information about the KimpaVita HERE.
They will celebrate the 7th edition of their festival on the 30th and 31st of January 2026 at the Maison de la Culture Douta SECK in Dakar. Each year, the festival features a particular culture from an African country or a nation with African roots. For this edition, the KimpaVita festival has selected Congo-Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) as a spotlight for the programme, explored through a feminist and ecological lens.
We are looking for a London-based artist from Black Origin who feels a connection with Africa to take part in the co-creation of a co-commissioned performance developed between Dakar and London. We especially invite women and gender-diverse artists — including cis and trans women, as well as non-binary and gender-expansive individuals who identify with women’s experiences — who are developing their practice as dancers, choreographers, theatre-makers, circus artists, physical theatre performers, or writers, or whose work blends different forms of performance.
This opportunity is intended to support women and gender-diverse people underrepresented in the performing arts.
About the co-commissioned process
The selected artist will collaborate with a dancer based in Dakar and will take part in a one-week Research and Development to co-create the performance and present a work-in-progress sharing as part of the KimpaVita festival.
Then, the Dakar-based dancer will travel to London to continue the Research and Development and present a continuation of the work in Certain Black’s indoor festival, Black Athena, happening in March 2026 at the Rich Mix.
How to Apply
Artist fee
The selected artist will receive a commission of £1,400 to develop the work between the two countries. The festivals will cover international travel, accommodation and per diems in Senegal.
This festival exchange and co-creation is supported by the British Council’s Festival Connect Fund.
Application steps and selection process
All applicants should have the right to work in the UK and a valid passport to travel overseas.
Step 1 – Send a CV and a cover letter of a maximum of 2 pages outlining:
- Why you are interested in the opportunity
- How you and your practice connect with Africa.
- What would be your approach towards co-creating a new piece made in Dakar and London, and with an artist you have not collaborated with before?
- Video links to your work (reels, website, etc)
Please send both files to [email protected]
Step 2 – Complete our Equal Opportunities form using the following link HERE.
Selection process: Applications are now open until Sunday, November 23rd of 2025 at 11:59 pm GMT. Please note that we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may close the vacancy early if the position is filled – we therefore encourage early applications.
Selection process timeline
- November 11th – 25th of 2025 – The KimpaVita and Certain Blacks teams will assess proposals and schedule interviews on a rolling basis.
- December 1st of 2025 – The selected candidate is announced
Certain Blacks is committed to being a truly inclusive organisation – from our Trustees and team members to our audience and participants. We treat all applications equally, regardless of race, age, disability, gender identity or gender expression, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other equality characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from groups who are underrepresented in the cultural sector, including working-class people, disabled people, and people from Global Majority backgrounds.
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact [email protected].
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].