Tyburn Foundation Launches African Artist Residencies in Umbria

The Tyburn Foundation, a new non-profit platform founded by South African collector and gallerist Emma Menell, will officially launch its residency program for African artists in spring 2025, based in Umbria, Italy. Rather than a physical headquarters, the foundation operates through collaborations with local residencies and African organizations. Partners include Civitella Ranieri in Umbertide, Animal Farm Artist Residency in Zimbabwe (joint initiative The Bridge Visual Arts Residency), and La Foce Residency, which will annually invite an artist to create public art in Umbria. Participating artists are Michele Mathison (Zimbabwe/South Africa), Driaan Claassen (South Africa), Khadija Jayi (Morocco), Option Dzikamai Nyahunzvi (Zimbabwe), Mbali Tshabalala (South Africa), and Primrose Panashe Chingandu (Zimbabwe). The foundation aims to provide a slower, more personalized support system outside the commercial art market, as Menell explained: the market demands rapid production, limiting artists' development time. Director Alessandra Olivi, former director of Tyburn Gallery in London, stated that works produced during residencies will be exhibited at the Tyburn Foundation Annual Exhibition, which will travel internationally.