Cape Town Residency 2026 International Open Call Competition
Create. Curate. Collaborate. Cultivate. Critically Engage. Contribute.
This competition was born from a meeting of minds, a shared love of creativity, and a passion for shaping the future of our world.
When Virginia Damtsa, international curator, visited Cape Town to curate an exhibition during the Investec Cape Town Art Fair, she discovered a magical space: Dac on Dorp (Dialogue, Art,Residencies, Community), a vibrant residency and gallery founded by Daniel Schulze. As they shared ideas and visions, a spark ignited.
Dac on Dorp previously a platform for South African creative voices opens its doors to artists and creators from around the world, inviting them to connect with Cape Town’s rich culture, collaborate, and create something extraordinary.
We are a community that fosters Cross-Cultural exchange, mentorship, and collective growth. A platform for dialogue between practices, disciplines, and perspectives. A residency that enables new ideas to emerge in a different environment.
“The community is about creating a global environment. It represents a space in which people actively support one another—where some members naturally take on mentoring roles, and where ideas are exchanged across different sectors and practices. It is both a platform and a place: a residency that allows artists and thinkers to step outside their usual environments, to explore new
ideas, and develop their work through dialogue, collaboration, and shared experience. It is a space for growth.” - Virginia Damtsa & Daniel Schulze
Who Can Apply?
Visual Arts
Filmmaking
Music
Curation
Design
Galleries
Writing
The Selected Applicant Will Receive:
☑ A private studio and house to live and work in
☑ A Cape Malay dinner with local creatives
☑ Mentorship from leading creatives
☑ Exclusive access to South Africa’s cultural networks
☑ Open studios and private showings with selected guests access to South Africa’s cultural networks
☑ A fully supported environment to create work that matters, work that can redefine your practice, open doors, and resonate.
This is a CREATIVE ACCELERATOR!
Enjoy a month designed just for you — to inspire, connect, and transform your creative journey.
Applicants Should Submit:
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Detail what you intend to create during the residency.
Please include your Instagram or website links to showcase your work.
Image-based portfolios will not be considered.
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An application fee of ZAR 570 (equivalent of £25) is required.
Please include proof of payment with your email proposal; otherwise, the application will not be considered.
Please proceed with the payment via the link below.
https:/ /www.paygenius.co.za/pay/dacondorp
Dac on Dorp believes that children, and their creativity, are the future of our world. With this open call, we aim to give back to the community by donating 10% of each application fee to an underprivileged school in Bo-Kaap, Cape Town.
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Send your written proposal, your Instagram or website links as well as proof of payment to: Internationalcall2026@dacondorp.com
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15 March, 2026 23:59 (UTC)
