26 Nov 2016

Second Batch of local talented Artists moved into Fire Station Studios in last September, thus completed the first ever initiative to nurturing emerging talent and builds on a longer tradition of patronage of the arts, and a passion for supporting the development of artistic talent in Qatar.

Under the guidance of Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums, the nine-month program for Qatar based artists are moved into one of the studios, collaborate with fellow creatives and develop their artistic technique. They meet curators, access all Qatar Museums exhibitions and are encouraged to join lectures.

They also benefit from weekly mentoring sessions and meet arts professionals from all over the world, representing Qatar in the international cultural community.

Below are some key features of the Fire Station residency:

• The Artists in Residence Programme
The artists in residence programme perfectly reflects Qatar Museum’s vision of enriching the lives of all those who live in and visit Qatar, as well as inspiring an indigenous culture of creativity and innovation.

The building was re-designed to have 24 studios and a gallery space for exhibition and community interaction.

Twenty studios are open to the artists selected to join the Fire Station; four are reserved for visiting artists.

In this way, the residency involves mentoring sessions as well as support and artistic guidance from established local artists.

It also brings the residents together with some of the international names that QM attracts to Qatar.

Finally, the program provides artists with privileged access to museums, special exhibitions, lectures and curators from across the various museums and gallery spaces represented by Qatar Museums.

• The application and selection process
Artists from a wide range of multi-disciplinary backgrounds including art, photography, design, architecture, etc. and other fields are welcomed onto the programme for a period of nine months.

All artists must go through an application process.

The first residency program was a huge success, with more than 150 applications received. All applications are subject to a carefully managed selection and decision-making process involving an independent jury.

The program is currently open to artists living in Qatar.

Over time, there are plans to extend it to artists from the region. Doing so, supports one of the key objectives of the residency, which is to support cultural dialogue and exchange between artists living in Qatar and the rest of the world.