Drawing Residencies in United Arab Emirates

421

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

The 421 Residency Program supports creative practitioners from various disciplines seeking space and time for experimentation. This multidisciplinary program spans five months and takes place at the artist studios at 421 Arts Campus in MiZa. The residency is open to practices in visual arts, curation, design and technology, literary arts, music, theater, culinary arts, and more. It prioritizes process-driven exploration over the need for a final project outcome. The program is designed for artists from the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia), offering living space and studio facilities for non-Abu Dhabi-based participants, as well as travel expenses, a stipend, and a production budget. Each residency cohort includes three artists, with two cohorts held annually. The program promotes collaborative engagement among its residents while encouraging individual experimentation.

Al Qasimi Foundation

Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

The Al Qasimi Foundation's Artist-in-Residence program in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, invites local and international artists to create new works inspired by the Emirates and engage with the community through workshops and exhibitions. Residencies typically last six months, culminating in a final exhibition at the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival and a collaborative public art installation. The program supports artistic innovation and cultural exchange, with funding up to 61,000 AED for six-month stays.[2][3][7]

Sharjah Art Foundation

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

The Sharjah Art Foundation Residency Programme invites visual artists, writers, poets, researchers, musicians, performance artists, filmmakers, and other creatives to explore and expand their experimental, interdisciplinary practices in Sharjah, UAE. Selected participants receive flights, transportation, accommodation, a monthly stipend, and access to the Foundation's networks and resources at venues like Bait Obaid Al Shamsi. Residencies typically last 2-3 months, such as from 17 November 2025 to 15 January 2026 or 2 February to 30 March 2026.

Tashkeel

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Tashkeel is a contemporary art organization in Dubai, UAE, founded in 2008 by Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum, offering artist residencies that support creative practice, experimentation, and cross-cultural dialogue for both local and international artists. Its non-prescriptive residency programs, including solo residencies and international exchanges, provide access to studios and facilities, culminating in public exhibitions, talks, and seminars. Residencies vary in focus, nurturing disciplines from visual arts and design to interdisciplinary projects.