The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) has opened applications for Ektashif 2 – an annual initiative that will see eight Qatari artists join MIA staff on a seven-day trip to Istanbul, Turkey this year. The trip is hosted in collaboration with ‘Doha Capital of Culture in the Islamic World for 2021” and the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
“As part of this annual educational initiative, MIA provides an opportunity for established Qatari artists to engage with like-minded creatives and learn about the unique and distinctive arts and culture of different countries. The culturally immersive trip serves as inspiration for the participating artists who will go on to create artworks that contribute to Qatar’s thriving cultural landscape,” Salem Abdulla al-Aswad, deputy director of MIA, and director of Learning and Outreach, Qatar Museums, said in a press statement.
The trip will include visits to historic sites of interest including Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Yavuz Selim Mosque, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Yeni Valide Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Each day of the trip will include a workshop to see traditional arts practiced in Turkey such as Iznik ceramics, paper marbling (Ebru), Islamic illumination and drawing on glass.
Following the trip, participants will be required to produce four to five artworks inspired by their visit, which will be showcased in an exhibition at the Ministry of Culture and Sports in December 2021. In addition, participating artists are set to take part in a public discussion panel, during which they will speak about the experiences gained during their trip.
The inaugural Ektashif trip in 2019 saw six artists travel to India.
Applications are open to Qatari nationals who are 18 years of age and older and who are practicing artists.
To apply, artists should submit five examples of their portfolio, CV, passport copy, and a copy of their Covid-19 vaccination certificate. Applicants should also describe themselves as an artist in 100 words and explain how securing a place on the trip to Turkey would impact their practice as an artist. Applications should be sent to [email protected] before September 2.
 
 
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