Fire Station: Artist in Residence announces the open call of its 9th edition of the Artist in Residence programme, which will run from 11 February to 14 April 2024. The nine-month residency is scheduled to begin on 15 September 2024.
The Fire Station: Artist in Residence is a world-class artist residency programme, designed to nurture, energise, and promote Qatar’s artistic and creative community. The residency programme provides young artists with the opportunity to cultivate their talent through production support, curatorial advice, expert mentorships, as well as access to studio space. At the end of their residency, artists will have the opportunity to showcase their artworks in an exhibition held in the Garage Gallery.
The Fire Station: Artist in Residence garage, covering approximately 700 sq. ft., has been converted into a dedicated exhibition space called “Garage Gallery,” which has hosted public exhibitions of the work of artists in residence, as well as world-class exhibitions organised by Qatar Museums.
Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidly, Director of Fire Station: Artist in Residence said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of the much-anticipated Artist in Residence program at Fire Station for its 9th edition. The program offers emerging and established artists the opportunity to showcase their talents as well as sharpen their artistic style. We look forward to witnessing the artistic fruition of all participating artists.”
Saida Al Khulaifi, Head of Programs and Exhibitions, said: “Throughout the past editions of our residency, we have been committed to providing a transformative space where participating artists are given the tools and support they need to explore their craft passionately through a fabrication lab, woodshop, and exhibition spaces to bring their vision to life Through a dedicated exhibition at the end of the program, we showcase these diverse narratives, inviting audiences to witness the unique artistic expression of each artist in residence, and encouraging a rich cultural and artistic dialogue.”
The deadline to apply is 14 April 2024 for local artists across all disciplines who are above 21 years old and have a valid Qatar ID.
The Artist in Residence programme has been a great success and has expanded to include a three-month residency at the prestigious Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and Studio 209 NY, part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP) in New York City. Fire Station: Artist in Residence also collaborates with local entities and organisations on a range of activities including workshops and collaborative projects designed to engage all those involved in the programme as well as the wider community.
For more information on the Fire Station: Artist in Residence program and to apply, visit www.firestation.org.qa.
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About Fire Station: Artist in Residence
The Fire Station is a world-class artist residency programme for residents of Qatar designed to nurture, energize and promote the country’s artistic and creative community, as well as enrich the art scene in Qatar. Founded in 2015 and located in a fire station that was repurposed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah, the nine-month programme for creatives across all disciplines enables young artists to cultivate their talent through production support, curatorial advice, and expert mentorships. During the residency, artists engage with professionals from all over the world who recognise Qatar as a growing centre of artistic talent and creativity. The Fire Station includes extensive studio spaces, a theatre, a café, and gallery spaces presenting inspiring local and international exhibitions. Over the past six years, the programme has welcomed 92 artists and expanded its duration to include a three-month stint at the prestigious Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and in New York City at Studio 209 NY, which is part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP).
The Fire Station campus also includes the popular restaurant Café #999, a bookshop, art supply shop, cinema and artist facilities. The Fire Station has also hosted world class exhibitions organized by Qatar Museums within its expansive Garage Gallery, including Picassos Studios (2020), KAWS: He Eats Alone (2019) curated by renown art historian Germano Celant, Kazimir Malevich: Genius of the Russian Avant-garde (2019), Russian Avant-garde Pioneers and Direct Descendants (2018), Laundromat by Ai Weiwei (2018), German Encounters – Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection (2017), and Picasso-Giacometti (2017). The Fire Station is headed by Director Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidli, the renowned Qatari photographer.
About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Future museums include Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Qatar Auto Museum, Art Mill Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.
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