B'sarya for Arts Thematic Residency
Programme Overview
The B’sarya for Arts Thematic Residency is a two-month program dedicated to advancing art and culture through creativity, experimentation, and innovation. This collaboration between B’sarya for Arts and Misk Art Institute provides Saudi cultural practitioners with the opportunity to broaden their practice, engage deeply with Egypt’s cultural landscape, and participate in rich creative dialogue and critical exchange.
Focus Areas: Sound, video, digital, and new media arts
Programme Focus
- Process & Experimentation – Emphasis on creative exploration and practice expansion
- Cross-Cultural Exchange – Engagement with Egyptian contemporary art scene
- Professional Development – Curatorial guidance, mentorship, and critical feedback
- Technical Excellence – Access to cutting-edge production facilities
- Community Engagement – Public presentation and contribution to local cultural dialogue
Eligibility
This residency is exclusively for Saudi cultural practitioners who meet the following criteria:
- Full-time visual artist with 3+ years of fine arts experience
- 3+ years of exhibition history
- Actively practicing and engaging in the arts
- Working in Sound (sound installation, sound performance, composition) and/or New Media/Mixed Media (video art, audio-visual installation)
- Full commitment to the program with no exceptions
Duration
2 months (full-time commitment required)
Location & Setting
B’sarya for Arts is located in Alexandria, Egypt’s historic north coast city. As an art space and production house, B’sarya positions itself as a creative hub in Egypt’s cultural scene, focusing on visual arts, music, and new media. The organization has initiated and produced projects addressing local and global issues both in Alexandria and internationally.
Facilities & Resources
State-of-the-Art Sound Studio:
- Acoustically tuned studio space
- Two jam and recording studios
- Isolated sound booth for vocal and acoustic recordings
- Cutting-edge recording technology
- Excellent acoustic treatment
- Separate air conditioning for each space
Additional Resources:
- Dedicated studio workspace
- Professional equipment access
- Technical and production support
Programme Structure
Educational & Professional Development:
- Two workshops or technical masterclasses centered on program theme
- Two studio visits from accomplished curators representing Egypt’s contemporary art scene
- Curatorial and technical guidance throughout residency
- Expert mentorship from established practitioners
Cultural Immersion:
- First weekend/day trip to Cairo: exhibitions, festivals, or screenings
- Second weekend/day trip to Cairo: meetings with directors and curators of art institutions, galleries, and academic organizations
- Integration into Alexandria’s cultural community
- Networking opportunities with Egyptian art scene
Creative Development:
- Time to create balanced with cultural exchange
- Generous feedback sessions with peers and mentors
- Opportunities to challenge and expand artistic practice
- Deep engagement with new ideas and conversations
Residency Outcomes
Required Public Presentation – Artists must present work publicly in a format appropriate to their project:
- Open studios
- Screenings
- Performances
- Temporary exhibitions
- Other presentation formats
Community Contribution – Residents contribute to the local community through:
- Talks and lectures
- Panel discussions
- Other activities beneficial to the community (determined with curator)
What’s Provided (Fully Funded)
- Round-trip flights to Egypt
- Accommodation for full residency duration
- Per diem for living expenses
- Studio space with professional equipment
- Expert mentorship and curatorial guidance
- Workshops and masterclasses
- Networking opportunities with Egyptian and international art communities
- Platform to showcase work to international audiences
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- Strong project proposal aligned with residency theme
- Evidence of meeting eligibility criteria (portfolio, exhibition history, etc.)
- Commitment to full two-month program including all educational programming
Application Process
Contact for Applications:
Phone: +966 566 740 917
Email: mai-info@misk.org.sa
About the Partners
B’sarya for Arts – Alexandria-based art space and production house contributing to artist development and Egypt’s contemporary art scene, with focus on visual arts, music, and new media.
Misk Art Institute – Saudi cultural organization supporting artistic development and cultural exchange for Saudi practitioners.
Note: This is a fully funded opportunity specifically for Saudi cultural practitioners working in sound and new media arts.