Submissions open for Artist Residency Grant Program 2025

Inspired by the Emirates, these artists produce captivating works and share their talents through workshops. Open to all creative practices, the program offers six-month residencies that culminate in an exhibition and a collaborative public art installation.

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; Support the development of local and 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;
• Promote cross-cultural exchange that sparks curiosity and new ideas and also facilitates deeper understanding and appreciation.

Funding Information

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

Role and Responsibilities

• The foundation expects the following of visiting artists to:
  • 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

• Prospective applicants for Artist Residency Grants should meet the following eligibility requirements:
  • 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.

Application Requirements

• Materials may be submitted in Arabic or English:
  • Cover Letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining reasons why the applicant is interested in the residency opportunity.
  • 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.
  • Residency Statement of Intent detailing anticipated residency activities and timelines involved.

For more information, visit Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.