Fire Station panel to select art programme applicants

Fire Station’s selection committee will hold a series of sessions to study the applications of artists who want to join the next edition of the ‘Artist in Residence’ programme, it was announced.

“Following the conclusion of the residency programme for 2017-2018, next year’s participating artists will be chosen. The number increases every year,” said Fire Station director Khalifa al-Obaidli in his message in a book for their recently opened ‘Dual Inspiration’ exhibition.A panel of judges will evaluate applications and choose “the most distinguished applicants” in the country who will be included in the next edition of the programme.The nine-month Residency in Doha is a Qatar Museums (QM) initiative, which provides an opportunity for talented residents to develop their artistic skills.The Fire Station building.From September to June each year, participants get access to art studios (round-the-clock), workshops and fabrication lab support, mentorship, and end of programme exhibition at the Fire Station’s Garage Gallery to showcase their works, among other privileges.“QM Chairperson HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani is committed to supporting the Artist in Residence programme and its development on an ongoing basis by partnering with a number of studios in art centres around the world,” said al-Obaidli.QM earlier announced that it will open its “Studio 209 NY (New York)” in the US in January, a new partnership for an international art residency, similar to its Paris programme.The new studio will give Qatari artists an opportunity to apply for a residency at the prestigious International Studio and Curatorial Programme in New York, known as a laboratory for the world’s most promising artists and curators.“This is in addition to creating a supportive environment with innovative programmes and spaces for artists in Qatar to develop their artistic talents,” al-Obaidli added.Highlighting the success of the Artist in Residence exhibition, he noted that such one-of-its-kind show serves as a platform for discussions and exchange of ideas, and for learning about the techniques used in producing and preparing featured artworks.According to al-Obaidli, the exhibition has become an annual event showcasing local artists’ innovative masterpieces, created during their nine-month residency at the Fire Station.He described young and emerging artists in the country as creative and full of potential, a reason for the Fire Station to support and provide them with the needed tools and exposure.“Here we give artists the structure, how to reach a concept in art, so when they are coming here and meeting other artists and mentors, they are getting a sort of a guideline, advice, and options. This is really developing them,” al-Obaidli said.