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06 OCTOBER 2024: Qatar Museums (QM) and the UK-based charity Akoje Residency have announced a significant partnership aimed at promoting cross-cultural exchange between the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) regions while creating new opportunities for talented artists.
This collaboration will allow two SWANA-based artists each year to participate in the Akoje Residency x King’s Foundation Artist in Residence Programme at Dumfries House in Scotland. Artists interested in applying can submit their materials until November 15th (details below).
Led by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the Arab world’s premier modern and contemporary art museum, this partnership aligns with QM’s vision of enriching lives through cultural exchange. It supports SWANA artists in developing their practices, creating new works, and expanding their professional networks.
Founded in April 2024 by Khalil Akar, the former director of Signature African Art Gallery, and rugby player Maro Itoje, a passionate art collector, Akoje Residency aims to provide pathways for artists from diverse backgrounds to advance their careers. Akar, of Lebanese heritage, and Itoje, of Nigerian heritage, designed the program to foster artistic growth. The Dumfries House residency serves as the inaugural initiative of Akoje Residency, with plans for future expansion, including a reciprocal residency program in 2025 for African and Caribbean artists to live and work in Qatar.
A global selection committee will evaluate applications based on various criteria, including artistic ability and potential. Successful applicants will be notified by November and will join the residency in Scotland in April 2025.
Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art and a jury member, stated, “Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art is proud to partner with Akoje Residency in this remarkable initiative, which will equip talented emerging artists with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Central to Mathaf’s mission is the commitment to showcase modern and contemporary artists from the Arab world to broader audiences, and this program will significantly advance our shared goals.”
Maro Itoje added, “We are excited to announce this partnership between Qatar Museums and Akoje Residency, establishing cross-cultural creative pathways for artists from the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora. We eagerly anticipate welcoming SWANA artists to Dumfries House and exploring future opportunities for African artists in Qatar.”
Through workshops, access to materials, and skilled craftspeople, participating artists will refine their crafts, produce new works, and develop new skills. They will also have opportunities to share their unique artistic perspectives with broader audiences via talks, open-studio events, and exhibitions, celebrating their cultural heritage through visual arts. The program will take place at Coachford Cottage, which features two self-contained artist studios located on the grounds of the Dumfries House estate.
