Qatar Museums (QM) and the UK-based charity Akoje Residency have announced an exciting new collaboration aimed at fostering cross-cultural artistic exchange between the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) regions. This groundbreaking partnership will offer talented artists from the SWANA region the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Akoje Residency x King’s Foundation Artist in Residence Programme at Dumfries House in Scotland.
Starting in 2025, two artists from the SWANA region will be selected annually to join the program, which is designed to provide emerging artists with the space, resources, and international exposure needed to further develop their artistic practices. Applications are open now through November 15, 2024, for artists seeking this career-enhancing opportunity.
Spearheaded by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Qatar, the partnership aligns with QM’s broader vision of cultural exchange and artist support. The collaboration will help SWANA artists expand their creative networks, develop new works, and hone their skills in an international setting.
Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf and a jury member for the program, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating, “Mathaf is proud to join the Akoje Residency in this exceptional initiative.
Our mission has always been to elevate modern and contemporary artists from the Arab world, and this program will give them the platform they need to reach global audiences.”
Founded by Lebanese art director Khalil Akar and Nigerian rugby player and art collector Maro Itoje, the Akoje Residency launched in April 2024 with the goal of creating pathways for artists from diverse backgrounds to thrive. The Dumfries House residency is their inaugural program, with plans underway for a reciprocal residency in Qatar for African and Caribbean artists in 2025.
Maro Itoje, co-founder of the Akoje Residency, commented on the significance of the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with Qatar Museums to build cross-cultural creative bridges. We look forward to welcoming SWANA artists to Dumfries House and exploring future possibilities for African artists in Qatar.”
Participating artists will benefit from access to skilled craftspeople, workshops, and materials, as well as the opportunity to share their work through open studios, talks, and exhibitions. The residency will take place at the scenic Coachford Cottage on the Dumfries House estate, providing an inspiring environment for creative development.
Artists interested in applying for the Akoje Residency x King’s Foundation Artist in Residence Programme can submit their portfolios at Akoje Gallery’s portal before the November 15, 2024, deadline.
