Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station has successfully completed its first residency programme in Paris, under the patronage of its chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani.

Hosted at Qatar’s Studio at the renowned Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, France, the programme is a recurring three-month residency open to all Qatari artists, and provides one lucky artist at a time studio accommodation space.
The artist will have the chance to experience an art residency in Paris, visit museums, galleries and be immersed in the art scene in the city.
Qatari contemporary artist Ebtisam al-Saffar was the first artist to travel to Paris for this unique programme.
As a Qatari artist in Paris, al-Saffar could use her location to make the most of being in the capital of arts and culture, by visiting museums and creating a great network with artists from all over the world.
As part of the programme, al-Saffar hosted an open studio at the Cité internationale des Arts from April 3 to 5. Members of the public were invited to meet her, exchange cultural and artistic views and learn about her experience and latest projects.
“Paris is a unique experience for any artist, and the Cité internationale des Arts is one of the biggest and most important art residencies in the world, with 325 residency studios, and with artists in residence from over 55 countries,” Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidli said.
“During her stay, al-Saffar could interact with this talented pool of creative individuals, share a cultural dialogue, build bridges and be inspired,” he added.
Following her residency at the at the Cité internationale des Arts, Paris, al-Saffar has returned to Doha. To celebrate the success of the first Paris residency, al-Saffar will host a public talk at the Fire Station cinema at 6.30pm on May 8 to share her journey and experience as a resident artist in Paris. Following her talk, an exhibition will showcase her artworks created during her time in Paris, and will be on show at the Fire Station until May 22.
The Paris residency programme has received many applications from Qatari artists for its upcoming residency. The name of the next artist that will take part will be announced soon.