The Iraa Chef in Residence program is designed to support artists working at the intersection of food and art. Participation is not limited to creators with a visual arts or culinary background, but open to individuals who identify as having a creative practice that views food as material – whether as research, or as a conceptual, sculptural or performative practice. 

 

Our continued engagement with a community that enjoys food and is curious about art has led us to a more intentional association with what we feed our bodies and minds. The chef in residence program invites individuals who are passionate about food, (it’s growth, storage, preparation, distribution, politics and its histories) to explore, experiment or create recipes with ingredients found at the local markets, shops and farms. For a period of up to 3months, the residents are encouraged to propose a scheme that can allow them to develop their gastronomical,  culinary skills and critical thought around food in an environment that is constantly interrupted by art, artists and cultural programming. The program encourages collaborations between the chef and artists, poets, writers, food enthusiasts, film makers, local vendors, farmers, food scientists and other members of the general community. 

 

The program takes place for a period of 1 to 3months over the 2 halves for the year. The First period is April to July and the second September to December unless communicated otherwise.

 

This program aims to acknowledge the Kitchen as a studio.

 

Eligibility

• Artists working with food as material.

• Chefs interesting in pushing the boundaries of the culinary arts.

• Ability to lead and engage in community-based programs

• Applicants should be not younger than 18yrs of age.

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Successful residents are expected to:

• Develop their concept and follow through on it during their residency.

• Cater for their personal bills beyond the stipend while on the residency.

• Cover expenses beyond their material budget while on the residency.

• Cater for transport costs to and from the residency if transport fees exceed the amount allocated to support travel.

• Work at least 3 days in a week at the kitchen in the residency space unless otherwise arranged with the Iraa Team.

• Involve the community around the kitchen or the art community in the activities related to the residency.

• Plan an open Kitchen session to share residency outcomes/processes at the close of their residency period. This can be through a shared meal, workshop and so on.

 

Successful applicants receive: 

• Mobility support to and from the residency a maximum of 500,000 UGX for locally based and up to a maximum of 600euros for international round ticket support.

• An artist is expected to cover their Visa fees and necessary travel documentation. For successful applicants, Iraa-the Granary can provide a letter of support to aid the visa processes where required.

• A material budget of 300euros for the span of the 3months residency.

• An artist fee of 450euros for the span of the 3months residency.

• Extra support for community centered events such as pop- up dinners, the farm to table events excreta.

 

What is available at the Iraa Community Kitchen

• An equipped kitchen with essential applications that one might need for meal preparation including an electric oven with gas stove tops, a peanut butter grinding machine, smokers, grill, refrigerator, cake mixer, food processor, blender etc.

• A modestly furnished room with bathroom, toilet, a bed and reading desk in a shared gated compound with a very supportive Ugandan family.

• WIFI connectivity.

• Access to gardens and a lounge space that can be transformed into a space for small events, workshops etc.

• Access to farmers and farms who might be willing to collaborate on projects.

• Access to various art spaces within Uganda that can foster a possibility of collaborations with the spaces or artists.

• A 1 to 3months residency time to explore food.​

 

DEADLINE: 5th April 2026 at 11:59pm EAT 

 

If you have questions regarding the applications process or the Chef  in Residency program ,

please send your email to iraathegranary@gmail.com or call +256790808276

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