Open Call for Artist Residency Grants

Inspired by the Emirates, these artists produce captivating works and share their talents through workshops.

Objectives

• Promote the value of all the arts through meaningful engagement with local residents, organizations, and the broader Ras Al Khaimah community.
• Provide opportunities for artistic creation, exchange, reflection, and learning.
• Promote cross-cultural exchange that sparks curiosity and new ideas and also facilitates deeper understanding and appreciation.
• Support the development of local & emerging talent and demonstrate successful career pathways other artists have taken.
• Contribute to the sustainable growth and development of Ras Al Khaimah’s creative sector.

Funding Information

• Artist residency is available for a duration of six months, with funding capped at 61,000 AED.

Costs Covered

• This financial support covers essential residency-related expenses, such as travel costs to and within the UAE (including airfare, car rental, accommodation, living stipend, and visa fees), purchase of art materials, rental of specialized equipment, professional services related to artwork creation, and translation services.

Eligible Activities

• Create new personal works based on the Statement of Intent approved during the selection process
• Willingness to have an “open studio” and welcome the general public to observe and ask questions while working on personal projects
• Lead a workshop or hands-on activity for every month of the residency (e.g., a six-month residency would require six workshops)
• Record one podcast interview discussing residency projects and broader artistic approach/interests for a general, layperson audience
• Present a solo exhibition at the annual Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival
• Write one blog (500-800 words) related to the residency experience for publication on the Foundation’s website and social media platforms
• Donate one work created during the residency to the Foundation

Eligibility Criteria

• Degree in studio or fine arts or established portfolio of equivalent experience
• Practicing artist or filmmaker working in the following media: drawing, film, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, sculpture, or textiles
• Participated in at least one solo exhibition or two group exhibitions or one film festival in past three years
• Demonstrated experience teaching or helping others to explore different artistic media through hands-on workshops and activities
• Evidence for how prior formal and informal cultural exchange experiences provided inspiration for personal creative practice and artistic expression
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• At least 21 years of age by the time the proposed residency would take place
• Not enrolled in other residency or academic programs during the proposed residency period at the Foundation

Ineligibility Criteria

• Additionally, Arabic language skills, documented community art projects, and experience working with individuals of different ages and cultural backgrounds are considered assets.
• Due to space limitations, residencies can only be offered for individuals – artist collectives should not apply.

Application Requirements

• Cover Letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining reasons why the applicant is interested in the residency opportunity. The letter should address prior experiences and skills relevant to the residency; how proposed activities align with the stated Artist Residency Program objectives and broader mission of the Al Qasimi Foundation; what the applicant hopes to gain from the residency experience; and how the residency fits into the applicant’s long-term goals.
• Full artistic CV (no more than 2 pages) includes, as applicable: education, exhibitions, bibliography, collections, teaching, texts, curatorial projects, honors and awards, affiliations, and residencies.
• Artist bio, photo, and professional statement (no more than 2 pages)
• Representative portfolio sample of work produced in the last five years. The portfolio should be submitted as a low resolution .pdf and contain no more than 15 images. Each image should contain the title, date, size, and materials. Portfolios larger than 2 MB should be sent via a WeTransfer or Dropbox link. If images are not possible due to the nature of the applicant’s work, up to 5 video/audio URL links that support the application (no longer than 5 minutes each) may be submitted instead.
• Residency Statement of Intent detailing anticipated residency activities and timelines involved. At a minimum, it should include the artist’s goals for the residency, a description of the personal work that will be undertaken, summaries of suggested workshops (including target audiences and minimum skill levels necessary), and any special space or other logistics required to facilitate a productive residency. The solo exhibition concept and, if applicable, community art project should also be outlined.
• Completed Artist Residency Budget Template detailing itemized expenditures and total grant request.
• Two recommendation letters from art professionals and colleagues, one of which should come from a reputed arts institution, organization, or education program that the applicant has engaged with.

For more information, visit Ras Al Khaimah Art.