Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation invites artists to apply for its residency programme

Now in its third year, the programme's applications are open

Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation. Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism

The artists’ residency programme at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation is going into its third year, and its latest round of applications is now open.

"The Cultural Foundation's Art Residency programme embodies our vision to cultivate and engage the creative minds in our community, and to continually grow Abu Dhabi’s artistic and cultural ecosystem,” said Reem Fadda, director of the Cultural Foundation, in a statement. "It is our hope that this new cohort of resident artists will take this opportunity to not only work on their art but to grow and learn from each other in this supportive and collaborative environment.”

The residencies are open to UAE residents and nationals, and are aimed at artists who are already working professionally. The prorgramme provides ten artists with studio space in the Cultural Foundation building, next door to Qasr Al Hosn, as well as resources and support. The programme runs in six month blocks, from January to June and June to January.

Artists from previous cycles include Khalid Mezaina, Rawdha Al Ketbi and Ayesha Hadhir. The Cultural Foundation opened in its iconic Bauhaus-influenced building in 1981, though it was closed for refurbishment for ten years from 2008 to 2018. It is now run by Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism with an exhibition space, children's library, theatre and music space, and numerous educational programmes.