Bag Factory Artists' Studios: Johannesburg's Historic Artist Residency

The Bag Factory was founded in 1991 as one of the first independent art spaces in South Africa, originally created to provide studios and exhibition spaces primarily for Black artists from Johannesburg.

What Bag Factory Offers

23m2 studio with natural light
WiFi access
Shared kitchen and communal facilities
Studio access 7 days a week
Open studios event
Public exhibition at residency conclusion
Duration: 3 months

Residency Tracks

Cassirer Welz Award

Funded residency for young career artists
Sponsored by Strauss & Co
15 years running
Transformative residency experience

Self-Funded Artist in Residence

International artists welcome
Fee-based participation
Same studio and community access
3-month duration

Partnership Residencies

Through collaborations with international organizations:

Various funding structures
Exchange programmes
International connections

Visiting Curator Residencies

4 curator residencies annually
For curators and researchers
Connect with South African art scene

Location

Fordsburg/Newtown border, Johannesburg:

Vibrant creative district
Central Johannesburg location
Access to galleries and institutions
Dynamic urban environment

The Bag Factory Experience

Studios

Non-residential studio spaces:

Approximately 23m2 each
Good natural daylight
LED tube lighting
Individual workspace

Community

18 permanent studios
Stable community of resident artists
Diverse backgrounds
33 years of operation
Regular interaction and exchange

Programs

Exhibitions in on-site gallery
Workshops
Community projects
Professional development

Previous Residents

Artists from:

Sao Paulo
Nairobi
Zurich
Delhi
Montreal
And many more cities

History

Founded in 1991:

Post-apartheid era establishment
Resources for Black artists
Networks and opportunities
Pioneer independent art space
Continuing mission today

Application Process

For Self-Funded Residency

Visit bagfactoryart.org.za
Review residency requirements
Submit application with portfolio
Await acceptance
Coordinate dates and fees

For Funded Opportunities

Check for Cassirer Welz Award announcements
Watch for partnership calls
Follow Bag Factory social media
Contact directly for opportunities

The Johannesburg Art Scene

South Africa's largest city offers:

Major commercial galleries
Public institutions
Artist-run spaces
Vibrant contemporary scene
Historical significance
International connections

Practical Considerations

Accommodation

Studios are non-residential:

Arrange own accommodation
Various options in Johannesburg
Affordable compared to many cities

Cost of Living

Johannesburg is relatively affordable
Self-funded residency fee applies
Materials artists' responsibility
Good value for international artists

Safety

Johannesburg requires awareness
Bag Factory neighborhood active during day
Common sense precautions
Staff can advise on local navigation

Getting Around

Car rental recommended
Uber widely available
Public transport improving
Central location accessible

Application Tips

Research Bag Factory history - Understand the context
Engagement with SA scene - Interest in local connections
Community focus - Willingness to participate
Clear project goals - What will you accomplish?
Exhibition readiness - Prepare for end-of-residency show

Why Choose Bag Factory?

Historic significance - South Africa's pioneer independent space
Community focus - 18 permanent resident artists
Johannesburg access - Major African art hub
33 years experience - Established programme
Exhibition opportunity - Conclude with public show
Network building - Connect with SA art world

How to Apply

Visit bagfactoryart.org.za/about-residencies
Review current opportunities
Prepare portfolio and proposal
Submit application
Await response

Related Resources

Last updated: December 2025. Always verify current details on the official Bag Factory website.