The Girl Child Art Foundation (GCAF) is inviting applications for the African Female Artist Mentorship Program (AFAM) 2026–2027, a free three-month mentorship designed to support emerging African female visual artists. The programme provides one-on-one mentorship, professional guidance, technical development, and career support through experienced Nigerian artists and curators. AFAM is tailored for women who have an active artistic practice and want to strengthen their creative skills, expand their professional networks, and develop their careers as practicing visual artists. About the AFAM Program The African Female Artist Mentorship Program was established by the Girl Child Art Foundation to empower the next generation of African women artists through personalised mentorship and artistic development. Unlike traditional workshops, AFAM offers a specialised mentorship model where selected mentees work closely with professional artists to pursue individual creative and career goals. The programme encourages experimentation, technical growth, critical thinking, and community engagement while providing a supportive environment for artistic expression. Throughout the mentorship, participants meet their mentors individually at least once every two weeks, alongside group learning sessions held during the programme. Program Benefits Selected mentees will receive access to a range of professional development opportunities at no cost. Benefits include: Free participation in the mentorship programme One-on-one mentorship from established professional artists Online and in-person mentoring sessions Career development and technical artistic guidance Opportunities to participate in exhibitions and community events Safe and supportive creative learning environment Networking with fellow emerging female artists Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered: Be a female African visual artist Be 19–40 years old Be in the early stages of a professional artistic career Maintain an active studio or visual art practice Have developed a body of work outside formal training Be able to dedicate significant time to artistic development during the programme Please note: Individuals currently enrolled in post-secondary education are not eligible to apply. Artistic Disciplines The 2026–2027 mentorship will focus on the following visual art practices: Painting Textile and fibre arts Ceramics Drawing Printmaking Sculpture Application Requirements Applicants must submit a complete application package by email. The required materials include: Letter of application (maximum two pages) explaining your artistic practice over the past year, mentorship goals, how the programme will benefit your work, your time commitment, and challenges within your practice. Portfolio consisting of 10 JPEG images, 10 short videos (maximum five minutes each), or any combination totaling ten submissions. Annotated portfolio list including title, date, medium, and dimensions. One reference letter from an established artist or curator familiar with your work. Additional referees’ contact information. Website link or a CV/resumé (maximum two pages). Program Timeline Application deadline30 October 2026NotificationApproximately one month after the deadlineMentorship periodJanuary – March 2027 (3 months) The exhibition period will take place separately after the mentorship programme concludes. Meet the Mentors AFAM mentors are established professional artists based in Nigeria with at least 10 years of professional practice. They bring extensive experience in exhibitions, grant writing, curatorial practice, juries, commercial galleries, and artist-run spaces. Mentors are selected for both their artistic excellence and their ability to provide meaningful one-on-one guidance to emerging artists. How to Strengthen Your Application A strong application should demonstrate commitment, artistic maturity, and a clear vision for professional growth. Applicants are encouraged to: Present a cohesive body of recent artwork. Clearly articulate specific learning goals. Explain how mentorship will advance their artistic practice. Include high-quality portfolio documentation with accurate annotations. Obtain a thoughtful reference from an artist or curator familiar with their work. How to Apply Applicants should email their complete application package to the Girl Child Art Foundation before 30 October 2026. Late or incomplete applications may not be considered. The programme is completely free for mentees, and only mentors receive honoraria for their participation. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.