Sojourn of Return Residency in Dakar, La Petite Côte, + Saint-Louis, Senegal

Residency: Winter + Spring 2025

Known for its lively markets + rich musical culture, Senegal’s capital city, Dakar, boasts sprawling beaches blessed with world-famous surf breaks, remote riverine deltas teeming with wildlife, + electric nightlife that pulses throughout the city. Stretching almost 62 miles from Dakar to the Sine-Saloum Delta, La Petite Côte is Senegal’s playground. It is lined with baobabs backdropped by the constant sun, the blue sea, its extraordinary waves, + golden sand beaches. Located on the northwest coast of Senegal, Saint-Louis boasts vibrant architecture and an international music festival that brings musicians and fans worldwide to Senegal. During this Sojourn, artists will spend their time wandering + creating + wondering through Dakar, La Petite Côte, and Saint-Louis. Writers appreciate the quiet charm of these spaces, their surrounding private gardens + swimming pools, especially when engaging in self-led artistic practices.

Apply

The Dakar + La Petite Côte, Senegal Sojourn of Return welcomes 5 literary and visual artists of Afrikan descent.

SUBMISSION PERIOD: Applications close on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

ELIGIBILITY: The Residency is open to literary + visual artists of the Afrikan Diaspora. Artists of all levels are encouraged to apply. Artists must be at least 21 years old at the time of the residency.

APPLICATION FEE: There is no application fee.

APPLICATION MATERIALS: Interested literary + visual artists must submit an application that includes an artist statement, a statement of interest, + a work sample. Follow the guidelines below.

  • Artist Statement—Each applicant must submit a statement describing their literary or visual art + how it pushes liberation for Black people forward. Resources: How to Write a Poetry Cover Letter from The Watering Hole, “Ready, Set, Residency” by Brevity Nonfiction Blog, and Artist Statement Guidelines by Getting Your Sh*t Together.

  • Sojourn of Return Residency Statement of Interest—Each applicant must describe why this is the sojourn of return they need at this moment, as well as what they intend to gain from + contribute while at the residency.

  • Work Sample—Literary artists must submit a manuscript of 3-5 pages that reflects your artistry (e.g. prose or poetry). Visual artists must submit a digital file containing 3-5 samples of your visual art. The electronic file must be a Word document or PDF + the file’s name must consist of the artist’s last name followed by the manuscript title. For example, Smith__A Day in the Park. The applicant’s name and page number must appear on each sheet of the manuscript; for example, Smith, p.1

ACCEPTANCES: SeaSalted Honey will notify all accepted artists of their acceptance to the residency by March 1, 2024.

Details

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • 15 days + 14 nights of wander + art + wonder in Dakar, La Petite Côte, + Saint-Louis, Senegal

  • Transport from the Blaise Diagne International Airport to Dakar

  • Transport between Dakar, La Petite Côte, + Saint-Louis

  • Transport to Blaise Diagne International Airport for trip to return home

  • Accommodations while in Dakar, La Petite Côte, + Saint-Louis, Senegal

  • An on-call native Senegalese guide who speaks English, French + Wolof

  • Daily lunch + dinner (*note: only dinner will be provided on Day 1 + only lunch will be provided on Day 15) prepared by a native Senegalese cook

  • Excursions to Goree Island, African Renaissance Monument, Saly Beach, Somone, Bandia Reserve, + more. Activities include a lesson in playing a traditional Senegalese instrument, camel riding, ATVs, + more.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare

  • Flight and International Travel Insurance

  • Breakfast

  • Alcohol