Sharjah Art Foundation Opens Applications for Groundbreaking Residency Program: A Platform for Creative Exploration and Interdisciplinary Practices
Sharjah, UAE – In a generous initiative aimed at fostering artistic innovation and cultural exchange, the Sharjah Art Foundation has announced an open call for applications to its esteemed Residency Program. This initiative welcomes a diverse array of creatives—from visual artists and writers to researchers and filmmakers—seeking to enhance their interdisciplinary practices within a culturally rich environment.
The Residency Program is designed to provide selected participants with substantial support and resources to develop their work. In addition to receiving return flights to Sharjah, successful applicants will enjoy comfortable accommodation, a monthly stipend, and invaluable access to the foundation’s extensive institutional networks. This setting not only promotes individual artistic growth but also encourages collaboration with Sharjah’s dynamic creative community, which has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to art and culture.
Scheduled to take place from November 2025 to March 2026, the residency will be hosted at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, a heritage building located in Arts Square, Sharjah City. This historic site, once the home of pearl merchant Obaid bin Hamad Al Shamsi and his family until the 1970s, features 16 meticulously restored rooms surrounding a spacious central courtyard. Since its transformation into a suite of artist studios and exhibition spaces in the late 1990s, Bait Obaid Al Shamsi has served as a vital venue for the Sharjah Biennial, facilitating large-scale installations and performances. The building’s rooftop terrace offers breathtaking views of the adjacent creek, further enhancing the idyllic atmosphere for creativity.
In addition to Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, the residency will also utilize the Kalba Ice Factory in Kalba City, which is notable for its unique historical architecture and stunning natural surroundings. The program at this location will unfold in two phases, spanning from November 17, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and again from February 2 to March 30, 2026.
Originally constructed in the 1970s as a facility for ice storage and fish feed manufacturing, the Kalba Ice Factory has been revitalized into a vibrant space equipped with well-lit exhibition areas, art studios, and living accommodations. The venue’s proximity to Kalba Creek and the Al Qurm mangroves, a habitat for numerous endangered species, adds an ecological dimension to the artistic residency, inviting participants to engage with both their artistic and environmental contexts.
In 2012, the Sharjah Art Foundation acquired the Kalba Ice Factory, commissioning Lima-based architecture firm 51-1 Arquitectos to undertake its retrofitting. Since its reopening, this space has been a critical component of the Sharjah Biennials 12, 15, and 16, further establishing its significance in the global art landscape.
The residency program not only seeks to attract artists and creatives from across the globe but also aims to foster a spirit of community and intercultural dialogue. By positioning itself at the confluence of creativity and historical significance, the Sharjah Art Foundation is creating an environment conducive to experimentation and collaborative practices.
Potential applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals by the upcoming deadline of August 30, 2025, a date that promises to usher in a new wave of artistic exploration in one of the UAE’s most culturally vibrant cities. The call for applications represents an opportunity for artists to immerse themselves in the cultural fabric of Sharjah, benefiting from the city’s artistic legacy and rich heritage while contributing their distinctive perspectives.
As the world continues to grapple with rapid changes and challenges in various domains, initiatives such as the Sharjah Art Foundation’s Residency Program highlight the importance of creative expression and interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping a more informed and connected global community.
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