Qatar Museums (QM) and Akoje Residency, a UK-based arts charity, have announced a pioneering partnership aimed at fostering artistic collaboration and also cultural exchange between the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) regions. This initiative promises to broaden opportunities for emerging artists, as well as providing them with international exposure and support to advance their creative practices.
The partnership will select two SWANA-based artists annually to join the prestigious Akoje Residency x King’s Foundation Artist in Residence Programme at Dumfries House, Scotland. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, a leading institution for modern and contemporary art in the Arab world, is also spearheading this collaboration. By providing a platform for artists to develop their craft and engage with wider audiences, this initiative aligns with QM’s broader vision of enriching lives through cultural engagement and exchange.
Khalil Akar, former director of Signature African Art Gallery, and rugby player Maro Itoje, a dedicated art collector, founded Akoje Residency in April 2024 to provide international pathways for artists to enhance their careers. Akar, of Lebanese heritage, and Itoje, of Nigerian descent, conceived the residency as a bridge for artists across borders. The Dumfries House residency marks the organisation’s inaugural program, with plans for future expansion, including a reciprocal residency in Qatar set to launch in 2025 for African and Caribbean artists.
A global selection committee will oversee the application process, evaluating artists based on their creative potential and artistic merit. Successful applicants will be notified in November, with the residency commencing in April 2025. During their stay at Dumfries House, the artists will further gain access to workshops, materials, and skilled craftspeople, all designed to support their creative growth. They will also participate in public events such as open studios and exhibitions, sharing their work and cultural perspectives with a wider audience.
Zeina Arida, director of Mathaf and a jury member for the residency, emphasized the impact of the program: “This partnership offers SWANA artists not only the resources but also the global platform they need to thrive. Mathaf’s mission has always been to champion Arab artists, and this residency brings that vision to life in a meaningful way.”
Maro Itoje, co-founder of Akoje Residency, echoed Arida’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural exchange. “We are thrilled to partner with Qatar Museums to create new pathways for artists from the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. This residency is a step toward deeper artistic connections and mutual growth.”
Applications for the Akoje Residency x King’s Foundation Artist in Residence Programme will close on November 15, 2024, with the selected artists joining the program in April 2025.
