The Al Qasimi Foundation's Artist Residency Grants provide opportunities for visiting local and international artists to produce new works and engage in cultural exchange with the Ras Al Khaimah community. Visiting artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from the Emirates as they work on personal projects and to share their talent with the local community by leading art workshops and classes. Applications are welcome from all nationalities and artistic media for residencies lasting 6-12 months. Artists are based in the Al Qasimi Foundation’s Studio & Gallery during their residencies, culminating in an exhibition and the potential to engage the community in developing a public art installation.

Residency Inclusions & Expectations

Artist residencies vary from 6 to 12 months, with maximum values based on a residency’s duration: 61,000 AED (6-months), 80,000 AED (9-months), and 100,000 AED (12-months). Funds cover direct, residency-related expenses based on approved detailed budget. Permissible expenditures include travel expenses to and within the UAE (e.g., airfare, car rental, accommodation, living stipend, visa), purchase of art supplies, rental of specialized equipment, professional support services related to artwork production, and translation. Visiting artists will have use of the Foundation’s Studio & Gallery, a purpose-designed, multi-functional arts space for their personal projects and engagement activities.

The structure of each residency may vary based on the proposed activities put forward during the application process. In general, the Foundation expects the following of Visiting Artists:

• 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)
• Give one public talk related to personal artistic journey/practice or professional knowledge
• Present a solo exhibition in the Studio & Gallery or create a large-scale community art project
• 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

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

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 & Selection Process

Artists meeting the minimum eligibility criteria noted above are encouraged to apply for an Artist Residency Grant. Before applying, please review the grant handbook, as it contains important information for applicants and recipients. 

The 2024 arts and culture grant submission cycle, which includes Artist Residency Grants, will open early April 2024 with a closing deadline of June 1, 2024. Prospective applicants should create an account in the Foundation’s grant management portal and follow the Artist Residency Grant application instructions once submissions open. The online application form and all documents noted below must be uploaded and submitted in the grant management portal no later than June 1, 2024 to be considered. Materials may be submitted in Arabic or English:

• Online application form in the grant management portal.
• Cover Letter (no more than 2 pages) outlining reasons why the applicant is interested in the residency opportunity. The letter should address (1) prior experiences and skills relevant to the residency; (2) how proposed activities align with the stated Artist Residency Program objectives and broader mission of the Al Qasimi Foundation; (3) what the applicant hopes to gain from the residency experience; and (4) 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.

The submission review process is competitive. The Selection Committee will review all complete proposals and shortlist finalists to invite for an interview. Interviews may take place in-person or online via platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Once all interviews are complete, the Selection Committee will make a final recommendation and choose the visiting artist(s) for the year. Applicants can generally expect to receive a formal decision on the status of their submission within 6-8 weeks of the annual submission deadline.

While the Al Qasimi Foundation receives many excellent and high-quality submissions, only 1-2 residencies are available each year. Selection is based on the quality of portfolios and the relevance of applicants’ proposed activities during the residency. Alignment with planned Studio & Gallery programming and artistic media supply/space requirements may also be considered.

Questions regarding Artist Residency Grants, the application process, or the submission status may be sent to submissions@rakfinearts.ae.