laini . residency . program
At Laini Studio, clay is more than just material—it holds memory, nurtures collaboration, and sparks transformation. Our residency merges technique with intention, tradition with innovation, turning ceramics into storytelling.
Here, artists immerse in a creative dialogue between hands and earth. Each piece becomes a bridge — melding past and future, function and art, into vessels of shared meaning.
This residency welcomes Rwandan and international artists — emerging or established — to engage in a holistic approach to ceramics. In a space celebrating creativity, cultural exchange, and discovery, artists blend technique, artistic vision, and dialogue into their work.
Program Structure & Experience
Over four weeks, artist will partake in:
Studio Practice & Exploration
Hands-on sessions in shaping, surface decoration, glazing, and firing, guided by experienced mentors.
Cross-Cultural Exchange
Conversations, workshops, and collaboration with artists from diverse backgrounds.
Personal & Collective Reflection
Space for creative introspection— journaling, discussions, and intuitive making that connect ceramics to memory, identity, and storytelling.
Artistic Inspiration & Kigali's Cultural Landscape
Site visits to local galleries, heritage spaces, and community-driven art initiatives that expand artistic perspectives.
Mindful Craft & Experimental Approaches
Emphasis on both traditional techniques and innovative explorations of form, materiality, and conceptual expression.
Public Exhibition & Community Dialogue
A culminating showcase of residency-created works, highlighting artistic exchange, personal narratives, and cross-cultural connections.
Location & Atmosphere
The residency is hosted at Laini Studio in Kigali, Rwanda, an environment designed for focus, artistic nourishment, and shared growth. The space offers fully equipped ceramic workspaces, kilns, and guidance, but also embraces a rhythm that encourages creative flow, reflection, and experimentation.
How to Apply
Artists interested in joining can submit an application including a portfolio and statement of intent. For details on availability, residency dates, funding options, and application requirements, contact us here.
Join Us in Shaping the Future
This residency is more than a program — it's a collective movement. If you're inspired to create, connect, and contribute to the evolution of ceramics as an expressive, living art form, we welcome you to Laini Studio. Together, we craft stories — one hand, one piece, one conversation at a time.