Organised by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, ‘Art Residency | Albalad’ is a new residency programme in the vibrant, historical district of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Art Residency | Albalad supports the creative development of exceptional art practitioners through fully funded residencies that provide dedicated time and space, considered collaborations, and a supportive working environment.
The programme is open to Saudi-based and international artists, curators, art writers, historians and critics. It promotes critical thinking, cultural exchange and community outreach. Residents are invited to draw inspiration from a city with a deeply rooted, yet little explored, history. Art Residency | Albalad aims to encourage dialogue and cultural exchange between the young and dynamic art scene that exists in the city as well as access to, and conversation with, the community who live and work in the location of the studios.
The residency will be housed in the heart of a UNESCO listed heritage site: Jeddah Historic District (JHD), an area that is rich with history, and one of the rare pedestrian neighbourhoods in the city. The unique location gives residents direct access and opportunities to encounter and interact with Jeddah’s community and to become familiar with the city’s customs and diverse cultures.
These residencies are intended for artists and art professionals wishing to develop a research and creative project over a period of six weeks. They are process-based: their setting and the chance to work alongside peers, other professionals, experts, and the local communities create a dynamic environment for critical, technical, and professional growth within a collaborative exchange model. In addition to studio space, the residency includes the cost of travel to and from Jeddah, accommodation in a shared flat at a limited distance from the working studios, and a stipend of 6000 Saudi riyals (~1400 EUR) to cover living expenses.
Artists may also apply for a production grant generally ranging from 5000 to 10000 Saudi riyals (~1180 - 2360 EUR) to cover art supplies and other costs connected to the realisation of their project. Grant requests are assessed on a case-by-case basis and may be subject to revision by the organisers.
Residencies run from March - October 2022 in a series of six-week cycles.
