Art Residency Programme for Yemeni Artists

Art Residency Programme for Yemeni Artists

Application 004 - Artist Residency Programme

18th September - 9th December 2024

Exhibition dates: 14th January - 1st March 2025


UNESCO Regional Office for the Gulf states and Yemen, and Al Riwaq Arts Space are pleased to announce the Arts Residency Programme for artists from Yemen, in collaboration with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. The programme aims to enhance the status of Yemeni young artists and provide them with opportunities to engage with other regional and international stakeholders, to benefit from mentorship and peer-to-peer learning and support their mobility. The residency programme presents a 12-week, intensive and demanding programme, which will require strong commitment and dedication from the participating artists. 


About Al Riwaq Art Space: 


Al Riwaq Art Space opened its doors to the public in 1998, offering three rooms as an independent  exhibition space for contemporary Bahraini and regional artists. Over the past 25 years, Al Riwaq grew from a small gallery into a major hub, establishing partnerships and networks with  international institutions and creative practitioners. 

Al Riwaq’s commitment to the advocacy of  Bahrain’s contemporary art scene has included exhibitions, residencies, and educational  programmes for emerging and established artists, and creative practitioners alike. 

The institution  has maintained its role as a space for local and visiting artists and curators to work alongside one another in Bahrain. Al Riwaq has, over the decades, demonstrated its commitment to traditional disciplines while also supporting new, experimental media.


About the UNESCO Programme: 

UNESCO has supported the cultural heritage and cultural and creative industries in Yemen for the past decades. More importantly, since 2018 through the European Union-funded project, of which the second phase is currently ongoing ("Youth Employment through Heritage and Culture in Yemen"), UNESCO has supported the creativity of the artists and CSOs in Yemen to contribute to sustainable cultural and creative industries in the country in the context of the challenges that the country has been facing since the outbreak of the conflict in 2015. Thanks to the project and other initiatives, capacities of CSOs and artists are being strengthened in the field of cultural programming through grants mechanisms, basic and advanced training activities and development of creative hubs. By promoting the role of arts in social cohesion and peace, UNESCO aims to safeguard Yemen's cultural identity and heritage. 


About the Residency: 

Application 004 is a process oriented residency, which takes a critical approach to art making, research and production. This residency provides mentorship, discussion, critique, and avenues to explore techniques, concepts, ideas and collaborations. 

This experience is set to widen possibilities and potential for artists, encourage engagement with peers and take the artists’ careers to the next level. 

Alongside the personal mentorship and discussion, as well as the collaborative engagements with the other residents, the residency will provide a range of learning opportunities for participants. These learning opportunities include, but are not limited to, a selection of workshops, talks, courses, exhibition and cultural visits, all of which will facilitate research into contemporary art, and exploring constructive critique, as well as the integrity of differences despite shared experiences. 

Through the residency, participants will also be able to examine the legacy of global art history and the current state of the world. Regular group discussions would be encouraged and facilitated through informal and formal meetings and gatherings. Participating artists need to be open to sharing ideas and receiving feedback through discussion, and be open to other possibilities and directions in their work. 

Through this experience, participating artists will gain motivation, expand their knowledge and critical perspectives. The residency will examine complex personal and ethical questions about their hybridity and local knowledge, while exposing them to their own ways of seeing. 

The residency presents a 12-week, intensive and demanding programme, which will require strong commitment and dedication from the participating artists. Applicants acknowledge that by taking part in this residency, they undertake the responsibility to see it through, and understand the demanding nature of the programme. 

Participating Yemeni artists will receive individual studio space, and use the studio for research, discussion, project development, and production, with support from Al Riwaq. Their travel expenses, accommodation and living costs will be covered.



Application Process: 

  • Residency announced on 29th July, 2024.
  • Interested artists must fill out the residency application form and submit it by 24th August, 2024.
  • Shortlisted applicants may be called for a meeting on 2nd September, 2024
  • Successful applicants will be informed on 4th September 2024 . Acceptance confirmation and signed agreement must be received from the applicant by 8th September,  2024
  • Residency participants will be announced to the public on 10th September 2024.
  • Residency artists’ initial meeting on 18th September,  2024

Application Form Information: 


Application 004 Artist Residency


Application 004 is a process oriented residency, which takes a critical approach to art making, research and production. This residency provides mentorship, discussion, critique, and avenues to explore techniques, concepts, ideas and collaborations. 

The residency presents a 12-week, intensive and demanding programme, which will require strong commitment and dedication from the participating artists. Applicants acknowledge that by taking part in this residency, they undertake the responsibility to see it through, and understand the demanding nature of the programme. 


Deadline to apply is 24th August 2024. Shortlisted applicants will be notified by 4th September, 2024. 

Applicant Information:

  • Name
  • Title/ Profession
  • Institution/ Place of work or study 
  • Phone Number
  • Email
  • Address
      • Website (if available)
      • Social Media (optional) 
  • Artist Portfolio  
  • Artist CV  
  • How did you learn about this residency programme
    • Applying as a (institution/individual/collective)

    Residency Project Proposal:

    Interested applicants must present a project idea that they intend to work on during the residency. This can be a new idea, or a project that is in the research phase, or an ongoing project. Al Riwaq understands that this is not a final idea or project, and that it can change in concept and direction through and during the residency. 


  • Title or Project
      • Summary (50 words)
      • Description (200 words)
  • How would this residency contribute to your project?
    • Are there other organizers, collaborators or curators already involved in your project? (if applicable)

    Enquiries: 

    For enquiries about the programme or the grant for Yemeni artists, please contact Jawida Mansour: j.mansour@unesco.org 



    Frequently Asked Questions:


  • Is the residency only for visual arts?
  • No, it is open to all artists from different disciplines. 


  • How long is the residency programme?
  • 12 working weeks, from 18th September - 9th December 2024.

    Exhibition on 14 January 2025. 


  • Will there be an exhibition at the end of the residency?
  • Yes, participants' artwork and projects will be showcased in an exhibition at the end of the residency. The exhibition concept will be formulated and developed in discussion with the artists in residence. 

    The exhibition will be developed in collaboration with Al Riwaq’s curation team, led by William Wells, and will open on 14 January 2025. 


  • Is there an age restriction for the applicants?
  • This residency is open for all above 18 years of age. 


  • Does this programme support international applications?
  • International applications are welcome, however, the applicant is responsible for covering their accommodation and travel arrangements or for securing a funding to support that. 

    For Yemeni artists, UNESCO is providing a special grant for this round of the residency, covering all travel, accommodation and programme participation fees. 


  • Does this programme support research residencies? 
  • Al Riwaq is open to receiving research-based resident artists, within Application 004 or independently. 

    Artists seeking the unfamiliar around the corner, are welcome to apply for a  research-driven residency that can revolve around peer-to-peer exchange, and knowledge and understanding, not just in the arts but also in society. 

     

    Submit Application Here

     

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the residency only for visual arts?

    No, it is open to all artists from different disciplines.

    How long is the residency programme?

    12 working weeks, from 28 January to 28 April 2024.

    Please note the residency will coincide with the holy month of Ramadan as well as the Eid Holidays. Studio opening hours will be adjusted as appropriate during that period. 

    Will there be an exhibition at the end of the residency?

    Yes, participants' artwork and projects will be showcased in an exhibition at the end of the residency. The exhibition concept will be formulated and developed in discussion with the artists in residence. 

    The exhibition will be developed in collaboration with Al Riwaq’s curation team, led by William Wells, and will open on 25 June 2024. 

    Does this programme support research residencies?

    Al Riwaq is open to receiving research-based resident artists, within Application 003 or independently. 

    Artists seeking the unfamiliar around the corner, are welcome to apply for a  research-driven residency that can revolve around peer-to-peer exchange, and knowledge and understanding, not just in the arts but also in society.

    Is there an age restriction for the applicants?

    This residency is open for all above 18 years of age.