Organizer Information
The Abu Dhabi Art Residency Program is hosted by the Cultural Foundation in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). Established to promote cultural innovation and artistic excellence in the UAE, the Cultural Foundation serves as a vibrant hub for creative exchange, offering resources and spaces that bridge local and international practices. Through this collaboration, the program supports the UAE's vision for cultural sustainability, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and professional development for global creators while integrating them into Abu Dhabi's dynamic arts ecosystem.
Title & Description
Art Residency Programme
This immersive six-month residency invites professional artists, designers, architects, writers, performers, researchers, filmmakers, and other cultural practitioners to deepen their creative practice in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The program's core purpose is to cultivate artistic growth through dedicated studio environments, enabling participants to produce groundbreaking work, refine their techniques, and forge meaningful connections with diverse communities. Themes revolve around innovation, cultural dialogue, and personal evolution, encouraging explorations of identity, heritage, environment, and contemporary issues through hands-on creation and reflection. Residents benefit from 24-hour studio access, curatorial guidance, and facility resources, culminating in an open studio night that showcases their processes and outputs to the public. Participants select from two cycles—either March to September 2026 or September 2026 to March 2027—allowing alignment with personal rhythms and seasonal inspirations. Beyond production, the residency emphasizes thoughtful development: studio visits from esteemed cultural figures spark interdisciplinary exchanges, while community engagement initiatives bridge art with everyday life in the UAE. This holistic approach not only advances individual skills but also contributes to a richer cultural narrative, positioning artists as catalysts for societal reflection and renewal. By embedding creators in Abu Dhabi's evolving arts scene, the program nurtures works that resonate locally and globally, addressing pressing themes like sustainability, migration, and technological integration. Ultimately, it transforms isolated practice into collaborative journeys, where sensory and intellectual explorations yield enduring legacies in visual, performative, and narrative forms, empowering participants to envision and enact futures rooted in creativity and connection. (Word count: 348)
Categories
Open to a wide range of disciplines, including Visual Art, Design, Architecture, Literature/Writing, Performance, Research/Conceptual Art, Film/Video, and other cultural practices.
Eligibility
- Professional practitioners holding a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (or equivalent) in visual arts or a relevant cultural field
- Open to all nationalities (UAE nationals require Unified Number and Emirates ID; non-UAE nationals require a valid residency visa and Emirates ID)
- No age restrictions specified
Program Benefits & Awards
- Dedicated studio space within the Cultural Foundation with 24-hour access
- Curatorial support for artistic development
- Full access to Cultural Foundation facilities and resources
- Financial stipend (amount not specified, but included as "financial resources")
- Opportunities for studio visits by cultural practitioners and a final open studio exhibition event
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Portfolio: Minimum 8 works in PDF format
- Artist CV: Including exhibition history, in PDF format
- Contact details: Email and phone number
- Short biography: Maximum 100 words, in PDF format
- Artist statement: Maximum 150 words, in PDF format
- Personal photo
- Passport copy
- For UAE nationals: Copy of Unified Number
- For non-UAE nationals: Copy of residency visa
- Copy of Emirates ID (front and back)
- Indication of preferred residency cycle (first or second half of the year)
How to Apply?
Submit all required documents via email to artresidency@dctabudhabi.ae. For inquiries or clarifications, use the same email address. Application link: mailto:artresidency@dctabudhabi.ae
Key Dates
- Application deadline: 31 January 2026
- Residency periods: 25 March 2026 – 20 September 2026 (first cycle) or 25 September 2026 – 20 March 2027 (second cycle)
- Notification date: Not specified
Location
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Additional Details
Applicants must commit to the full six-month duration of their chosen cycle and actively engage in community outreach, such as the open studio night. The program prioritizes applicants demonstrating potential for professional advancement and cultural impact. Selection is competitive, focusing on the strength of portfolios and alignment with the residency's ethos of innovation and exchange. Accessibility accommodations can be discussed via email; diverse voices from underrepresented regions are encouraged to apply. All materials submitted become part of the foundation's review process, with confidentiality respected.