Masaha Residency Cycle 8

A three-month visual arts residency in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing on the cultural, social, and artistic significance of obsolete technologies.

Misk Art Residencies aims to support artistic development and practice by promoting the possibilities of meaningful exchange between the local community and the global cultural landscape. The Masaha Residency is designed to cultivate the art sector by facilitating discourse, research, and experimentation around themes that concern the local community.

In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, it is crucial to reflect on the legacy and impact of previous media technologies. The theme of this cycle recognizes the value of obsolete devices, such as analog cameras, VHS players, cassette tapes, and other forgotten media artifacts. These technologies, once cutting-edge, have been replaced by sleeker and more efficient digital counterparts. However, they continue to hold cultural, social, and artistic significance.

This year, the Masaha Residency invites artists to engage with the histories of technology in their artistic practice. Artists will have the opportunity to explore the historical context of media technologies, challenge notions of progress, and examine the impact of obsolete technologies on contemporary society.

Who’s it for?

Full-time visual artists from all artistic disciplines who meet one or more of the following:

• 3+ years of fine arts experience

• 3+ years of exhibiting history

• Actively practicing and engaging in the arts

Program Structure

• Weekly mentorship

• Four masterclasses

• Weekly lunches/meetings

• Development of project and budget proposals

• Trips to cultural/historical sites in Riyadh

• Public engagement through open studios and resident-led educational programing

• Networking sessions via studio visits by veteran artists and art practitioners

• A critique session with an external collaborator to provide constructive feedback and insights.

• Final group exhibition showcase, funded by Misk Art Institute

Residents Will Gain

• Time and space to focus on researching a new theme-related project

• External and internal experts to advise, provide feedback, and critique your research and project

• Long-lasting contacts within the Saudi and international arts network

• Exposure to and from important members of the art community (such as artists, press, curators, etc.)

• Group showcase exhibiting your new body of work

• Professional development as an artist