Young and emerging Qatari artists stand to benefit from Qatar Museums (QM)’s recently announced partnership for an art residency in New York, set to commence in early 2019.
The opening of Studio 209 NY in January 2019, under the patronage of QM chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, will give Qatari artists the opportunity to apply for a residency at the prestigious International Studio and Curatorial Programme (ISCP) in New York.
“After the success of the Paris Residency Programme, we are pleased to announce a new international partnership which will allow Qatari artists to find new inspirations, challenge themselves and refine their skills,” Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidli said in a press statement.
He noted that the ISCP is the fourth largest residency in the world, a programme which will give emerging Qatari artists an international platform to tell their stories and showcase their work.
The three-month programme is the second extension of QM’s Residency initiative in Doha after Paris, aimed at nurturing the next generation of artistic talent in the country.
A laboratory for the world’s most promising artists and curators, QM noted that the ISCP supports the creative advancement of its participants and promotes cultural exchange through residencies, exhibitions and public programmes.
The ISCP is housed in East Williamsburg and features 35 work studios and two gallery spaces.
It is New York’s most comprehensive international visual arts residency programme, and the fourth largest in the world.
With more than over 1,350 alumni from over 80 countries, ISCP hosts more than 100 residents annually.
“We look forward to starting a new chapter in QM’s ambitious journey of creating a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure for Qatar through investing in our country’s creative talents,” al-Obaidli said.
Qatari artists, aged 18 years and above, are encouraged to apply for the programme by sending their portfolio to http://www.firestation.org.qa/en/studio-209-ny
QM added that those who will be selected for this international residency will have access to a diverse global network of colleagues, allowing them to forge life-long connections, engage in inspiring conversations with a community of artists and hone their artistic skills.
Among the privileges as a participant include a private, furnished studio space; monthly access to cultural institutions in and outside New York; and monthly private studio visits with professionals from other museums, galleries and alternative spaces.
Artists will also have the chance to meet with one of the two visiting critics to ISCP monthly; as well as the opportunity to realise public projects in many offsite venues in New York.
According to QM, ISCP residents have 5 to 10 years of professional practice – described as emerging to mid-career.
The programme hosts artists working with a wide range of media such as painting, sculpture, photography, performance, installation, illustration, drawing, video, socially engaged art and research-based work.
Similar to QM’s Paris Residency, the ISCP includes an ‘Open Studio’ programme – a two-day event giving its resident artists an opportunity to showcase their work to the public and the results of their residency in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
QM announced that the Fire Station will sponsor one Qatari artist for three months, providing them with a monthly stipend for their stay and art materials purchases.