In 2019, MQBMBQ founder Jordan Anderson took a trip to the Villa Lena artist residency in the Tuscan countryside and “fell in love” with the whole concept. At the same time, he tells Dazed: “It dawned on me that many artistic spaces in Europe faced similar challenges regarding accessibility for Black and Brown individuals.” This realisation sparked a collaboration between MQBMBQ and Villa Lena that continues to run years later, inviting Black, queer artists into a space for “equal parts work and equals parts rest”, selected via an open call.

The aim, says Anderson, is to bridge the gap and foster opportunities for “deserving Black and Brown queer artists who may lack access to abundant resources”. This year’s iteration of the MQBMBQ x Villa Lena artist residency is extra special, though. Announced yesterday (March 27), the latest open call comes alongside a new partnership with Jean Paul Gaultier, a brand that MQBMBQ has long looked toward for its authentic support of queer creative communities.

As if that wasn’t enough, successful applicants to the upcoming artist residency – which will be held over the month of July – will also benefit from the guidance and mentorship of Legacy Russell, executive director and chief curator of The Kitchen NYC. “I’ve been a fan of Legacy,” says Anderson, having first encountered her work some years ago. “It was immediately clear to me that she was an intellectual powerhouse that any creative would be lucky to be in conversation with.”

As for what the winning applicants themselves can expect, he adds that each typically leaves with a different takeaway. “Some depart with a newfound appreciation for the importance of rest, while others make significant strides in advancing their creative projects. Still others deepen their understanding by delving into the historical and contemporary narratives surrounding Blackness within Italy.” Previous winners have gone on to launch everything from solo exhibitions based on their work at the residency, to ongoing collaborations with fellow artists they met on site. “The residency offers a multitude of possibilities.”

By now, you might be wondering how you can apply, and the answer is pretty simple. The open call for Black queer artists is now available for applications here, and closes at 10pm on May 1, 2024. Two winning artists will be chosen by Jordan Anderson, Legacy Russell, and the board of the Villa Lena Foundation.