Friday 26 July 2013

Arabian Wings has initiated the international residency program in the Kingdom for the first time, providing artists, curators, writers and academics with the opportunity to live and create art in different countries. "The notion of artist residency is new; it first appeared in 1889 in Germany, at the initiative of a painter and a poet, Heinrich Vogeler and Rainer Maria Rilke. It is considered as an emancipator turning where artists create a place for other artists to learn; of course like any entrepreneurial project, context and circumstances are important," said Mohammed Bahrawi, founder of Arabian Wings.

He explained that the program would also allow artists from other countries to explore the culture of Saudi Arabia. "This program will provide an opportunity for international artists, curators and writers to live, create and work in Jeddah; it will also help in creating bonds between the resident and the host," said Bahrawi. Residency programs utilize a wide range of cultural knowledge and exchange, creating a dialogue between local and foreign artists and offering them the opportunity to establish connections in the local community. "Saudi culture is rich with artistic talent and creative work," Bahrawi said, adding "Arabian Wings is hosting this program in Jeddah because it is a cosmopolitan city in which visitors will find a combination of tradition and modernity.

In addition, Jeddah is emerging on the contemporary art scene with an increasing number of art movements and galleries. Moreover, the number of artists and studios in Jeddah is higher than the other cities in Kingdom," he added. AW residency program emphasizes on cultural exchange through arts, such as calligraphy, painting, sculpture and photography and will provide participants with greater insight on the Saudi cultural and artistic visions. "Arabian Wings is subsidizing Saudi art by organizing art awards, exhibition tours and educational programs where art work is inspired by symbols, motives and the Saudi heritage," he added.

"We are the only art residency program in the Middle East certified by "res artsi" worldwide network of artist residencies, and also working in collaboration with Red Gate gallery residency program in China and the International School of paintings, drawings and sculptures in Umbria, Italy. We are sending our artists Talal Al Tokhais to Italy by the end of July and Saud Mahjoob and Khalid bin Afif will be traveling to explore China's culture and arts in October and November," he said.

He elaborated further that they had contacted Morocco's 'Dar Zagora' residency program recently and plans to send Mohammed Haider, Ebtsam Gazder, Hasan Khan, Abdul Al rahaman Al Dukhaini to prepare themselves for Marrakech Biennale 2014. Arabian Wings, in cooperation with Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives (ALJCI), organizes many educational programs with the aim of enhancing the experience of Saudi and Arab artists, and the residency program is part of these educational initiatives.

© Arab News 2013