Calling all budding artist and curators. A partnership of Dubai’s art world heavyweights – Art Dubai, The DubaiArts & Culture Authority, Delfina Foundation and Tashkeel – have announced an open call for UAE-based artists and curators to apply for the 2015 Artists in Residency (A.i.R.) Dubai programme. It’s time to make a name for yourself.
The residency, which will take place over a 12-week period from January 7 to March 31, 2015, will give four local residents or Emirati artists, as well as two international artists, the opportunity to create new, site-specific work and engage in intercultural dialogue while being based in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood.
In addition to giving an unique opportunity to four artists, the programme has expanded this year, including the role of Assistant Curator that will be awarded to an up-and-coming Emirati curator or recent graduate. The Assistant Curator will also be in-residence with the artists and will work closely with the international curator. Khalil Abdulwahid the Manager of Visual Arts at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority sees this new role as a means of promoting “creative exchange, knowledge transfer, and collaboration.”
Sara Al Haddad, Therefore, Thereafter, 2014, Art Dubai 2014
The residency forms part of Art Dubai Projects, a not-for-profit series of new commissions that are on display during Dubai Art Week. The residency studios will form part of the Art Dubai fair and be open to the public in order for a greater understanding of the artist process behind the site-specific artworks produced during the residency.
The other adjustment to the programme this year is a greater involvement in community outreach projects, as Antonia Carver, Art Dubai’s Fair Director explains: “In 2015, the scheme has expanded reflecting A.i.R. Dubai’s engagement with the local arts community. A.i.R. Dubai is a vital element of Art Dubai’s expansive not-for-profit programme, which nurtures the local art scene at the fair and all-year-round.”
This year’s recipients were Nadia Ayari, Sunoj D, Maitha Demithan, Sara Al Haddad and Maryam Al Qassimi with Curator-in-Residence, İpek Ulusoy Akgül.
Applications are open until August 21, 2014. For more information about the programme and to download the application form, visit tashkeel.org, or send your enquires to submission@tashkeel.org.
Artwork from Art Dubai 2014
Images: Getty Images for Art Dubai, Art Dubai
