Born from the initiative of the French Embassy in Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe, and the Institut Français of Gabon, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth, Sports and the Arts of Gabon, the Duvangu residency highlights emerging Gabonese and Santomean creation on the international stage, while promoting creative exchanges with new cultural contexts.
The residency is supported by Manifesto and implemented by a local team of cultural professionals.
The Duvangu programme includes:
An unprecedented artistic production and cultural programming residency held in Libreville from 22 May to 14 July 2024;
The participation of Gabonese artists in the São Tomé and Príncipe Biennale, which took place from 20 June to 25 July 2024;
An artist residency at POUSH, in Aubervilliers (France), for four Gabonese artists, from 15 April to 25 June 2025.
As an extension of the Duvangu residency held in Libreville, and the 10th edition of the São Tomé and Príncipe Biennale, the French Embassy in Gabon and São Tomé and Príncipe, in partnership with the Institut Français of Gabon and with the support of Manifesto, is launching a new edition of the Duvangu artistic residency. From 15 April to 25 June 2025, four artists selected through a call for applications will be hosted at POUSH – a space dedicated to supporting artistic creation, founded by Manifesto, which brings together an art centre and artist studios in Aubervilliers.
The artists will benefit from POUSH’s vibrant ecosystem and the richness of the local cultural landscape to develop research or experimental work, with no obligation to produce finished pieces. The residency will include tailored support such as off-site visits, privileged meetings with art professionals, and access to prestigious cultural institutions.
A selection committee, coordinated by Manifesto, convened on 4 March 2025 to announce the four laureates of the POUSH Duvangu programme:
Kaory Mambo (Gabon), Julie Mvie (Gabon), Catarina Neto Barroso (São Tomé and Príncipe), and Emerson Quinda (São Tomé and Príncipe).
An open studio will be held during POUSH’s open days in mid-June, allowing visitors to discover the residents’ artistic research and ongoing work.
Members of the selection committee, all professionals from the art and cultural sectors, include:
Chair:
Nadine Hounkpatin, curator and producer
Members:
Eva Nguyen Binh, President of the Institut Français
Cédric Taurisson, Deputy Director of the Institut Français of Gabon and Cultural Attaché
Marie Laroche, Director of the Alliance Française in São Tomé and Príncipe
Yvannoé Kruger, Director of POUSH and Artistic Director at Manifesto
Emmanuel Edane, General Director of the FMCT
Facilitation:
Mae Woolworth, Director of Cultural Engineering, Manifesto
Aubin Thabard, International Development Officer, Manifesto
Consultation:
Marilou Thiébault, curator