Masaha Residency Cycle 9

A three-month visual arts residency in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focusing the transformative role of creative expression.   

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 relevant to the local community. 

This cycle invites artists to explore the transformative role of creative expression in a rapidly changing world. It focuses on how real connections within diverse communities can inspire deeper understanding through meaningful dialogue, whether expressed using visual art, discussions, or other creative approaches. 

Artists will examine how cultural practices and stories shape personal and collective perspectives and reflect on how societal developments influence their mindset and artwork. By blending historical knowledge with fresh ideas, they will create works that bridge the past and present. This will offer innovative responses to the challenges of today’s fast-evolving world. 

Program structure: 

1. Weekly mentorship sessions
2. Two masterclasses 
3. Development of project and budget proposals 
4. Trips to cultural/historical sites in Riyadh 
5. Public engagement through open studios and resident-led educational programing 
6. Networking sessions with established artists and art practitioners 
7. A critique session with external and internal collaborators. 
8. Final group exhibition showcase, funded by Misk Art Institute 

Residents will gain: 

1. Time and space to focus on researching a new theme-related project 
2. External and internal experts to advise, provide feedback, and critique your research and project 
3. Long-lasting contacts within the Saudi and international arts network 
4. Exposure to and from important members of the art community (such as artists, press, curators, etc.) 
5. Group showcase exhibiting your new body of work 
6. Professional development as an artist 

Who’s it for? 

1. Full-time visual artists from all artistic disciplines who meet one or more of the following: 
2. 5+ years of fine arts experience 
3. 3+ years of exhibiting history 
4. Actively practicing and engaging in the arts 

Applicants must also be fully committed to prioritizing this three-month program, with no exceptions.