Organizer Information
ARAK Collection is an independent contemporary art initiative based in Doha, Qatar, dedicated to promoting Contemporary African Art through exhibitions, research, publications, and educational programs. Its mission is to support artists, curators, and researchers with a strong interest in African art, fostering critical dialogue and expanding the global appreciation of Sub-Saharan artistic practices. The
residency programs are part of ARAK Collection’s broader effort to develop impactful curatorial research,
art writing, and exhibition production that help expand understanding of its extensive collection of works by African artists.
Title & Description
ARAK Collection Residency Fellowship Programs 2026
The ARAK Collection Annual Residency
Fellowship Programs support emerging and mid-career cultural practitioners—specifically curators and art writers—who wish to advance research, develop projects, and contribute to contemporary art discourse with a focus on the ARAK Collection. The programs are structured to provide dedicated research time, mentorship, and funding toward the curation of exhibitions or the production of critical art writing/publications that engage deeply with the collection and contemporary African art practices.
Categories
- Curatorial Research (primary discipline)
- Art Writing & Publishing
- Exhibition Production
- Contemporary Art
- Photography / Mixed Media / Visual Arts (project-specific, depending on research focus)
These categories encompass core activities supported by the residency, including curatorial project development and critical writing on art.
Eligibility
- Open to emerging and mid-career curators and art writers with a strong interest in contemporary African art.
- Curators are typically expected to be based on the African continent or have significant engagement with African art.
- Art writing fellows are expected to be writers, critics, journalists, academics, or intellectuals working on publishable projects around contemporary art.
- Applicants should be able to conduct research and develop substantial projects in engagement with the ARAK Collection.
Program Benefits & Awards
Curatorial Fellowship (example structure):
- Up to USD 20,000 total support, typically split between research funding and exhibition production & catalogue publication.
- Mentorship from the ARAK Collection Advisory Committee.
- Dedicated research time with the ARAK Collection and the development of a curated exhibition.
- Opportunity to write and edit the exhibition catalogue accompanying the curated show.
- Logistical support for concept development to final exhibition realization.
Art Writer Fellowship:
- Funding (approx. USD 20,000) directed toward research and writing/publishing projects.
- Support for article, essay, or book projects, including editorial assistance from the ARAK Collection team.
- Enhanced visibility through inclusion in upcoming publications or dedicated books.
Both tracks provide:
- Engagement with one of the largest African contemporary art collections in the Middle East.
- Professional mentoring, research opportunities, and access to collections for project development.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
Specific detailed application requirements are typically provided on the open call announcement pages, but generally may include:
- Project proposal outlining research or writing objectives.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or résumé.
- Writing samples (for Art Writing Fellowship) or portfolio of relevant curatorial work (for Curatorial Fellowship).
- Motivational statement and budget outline, if required for project planning.
- Completed online application form via the ARAK Collection portal.
Note: The official open call details (dates/deadlines) vary per cohort (e.g., Curatorial Fellowship 2025–26) and are usually published separately each year.
How to Apply?
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 15 February 2026
Location
Doha, Qatar
Additional Details
- The residency programs are intended to promote deeper engagement with contemporary African art and to foster cross-disciplinary research, curatorial imagination, and critical writing.
- ARAK Collection supports a broad spectrum of art-related practices and encourages applicants with innovative ideas in curatorial or art writing fields.
- Selected fellows often work toward producing public exhibitions, catalogues, and high-impact publications that contribute to the global contemporary art canon.
