Bait al Zubair - The Residency Programme

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Overview

Bait al Zubair International Residency Programme provides artists based outside the Sultanate of Oman with the opportunity to work in Muscat for a period of up to one month.

Bait al Zubair, based in the old quarter of Muscat, is a 5 building cultural complex made up of a museum showcasing Omani heritage and tradition, a four story art gallery which hosts the largest public collection of Omani contemporary art, a commercial art gallery as well as a newly formed artspace/café which hosts seminars and lectures. Bait al Zubair also has a 230 seater multi-purpose hall with a full lighting and sound rig as well as a research library.

Residencies are non-prescriptive and process-based, allowing visiting artists to develop projects in response to their new environment, or to conduct research benefiting from Bait al Zubair’s resources.

This new residency programme contributes to promoting the diversity of cultures and practices through international projects. Work in progress will be displayed during an open studio at which audiences have an opportunity to meet the artist and discuss the work.

1. Exchange

Visiting artists spend one month alongside a group of Omani based artists working in a wide variety of media. Visiting artists are encouraged to make links with other artists, organisations, students and arts professionals in Muscat as a means of establishing a mutual exchange of ideas.

2. Development of Practice

Through looking at Oman scene and being in a new context, artists can take away ideas and viewpoints that will inform the development of their practice. It is hoped that the resident artist will take advantage of the Bait al Zubair collection in their work. While we do not provide full time artistic assistance, the residency programme offers a strong level of administrative and creative support. Bait al Zubair staff are keen to discuss works in progress and assist in sourcing materials, offering local knowledge, contacts and creative input.

3. Talks and Seminars

Early in the residency, visiting artists are asked to present their practice in an informal evening of talks attended by artists, art professionals and the general public. Other activities, such as visits to art studios and special events at Bait al Zubair, can also be organised on an individual artist's basis. The events encourage discussion of the work and serve as an introduction with the potential for the visiting artists to make useful contacts.

4. Open Studios

All residencies culminate in an Open Studio where the artists show the work produced during their time in Oman. Open Studios run for three days and offer an opportunity for Omani audiences to see international work. Unlike exhibitions, Open Studios focus on process and feedback as they often present works in progress and encourage interaction and dialogue between the artists and the audience.

5. Facilities

The programme is open to artists who work in all disciplines, however one must note the restricted facilities. A wide variety of space is available for artists involved in the residency programme. All accommodation costs are covered by Bait al Zubair, and there is a café on site for lunch and refreshments. Some basic studio equipment is provided, but Bait al Zubair will discuss equipment needed with the artist prior to him / her travelling to Oman. All spaces in Bait al Zubair have wireless internet access.

6. The package

Every year, three, one-month residencies will become available. The residencies at Bait al Zubair will be in November, January and March each year.

Who can apply?

The residencies are open to artists at the beginning of their professional development, with a focus on artists 25 - 35 years of age. Artists will need to be prepared to engage with Omani artists and the public to discuss their work, potentially working collaboratively.

In general, resident artists will have completed their (art) studies and have worked independently as artists for three to five years prior to their application.

Procedure

The selection procedure consists of a number of rounds. Artistic quality and development potential as well as evidence of collaboration and interaction with others are the decisive factors. Candidates are not expected to be formal teachers however they are expected to share their practice and skills.

In brief, an application consists of:

- the application form, completed

- documentation of work

- CV

The application form should be completed in English. All correspondence relating to the application is in English.

Finances

The Bait al Zubair Foundation will cover the costs of accommodation and provide a grant of GBP1,000 to cover living expenses in Oman. The successful applicant will be provided with a return economy flight to Oman which is approximately GBP550.

Materials will need to be acquired by the resident artist. There is limited art supplies in Muscat however it is expected that successful applicants will be using materials of a less traditional nature.

Accommodation is on site at Bait al Zubair, Old Muscat Oman and consists of a small apartment with bathroom, kitchenette, sitting room and bedroom. The apartment is furnished and equipped to a basic standard for one person.