About The Program
The Arabic Calligraphy Art Residency, now in its second edition, is a program launched by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy. It aims to nurture the artistic talents of calligraphers and artists by providing a supportive environment for hands-on practice, knowledge sharing, and fostering cultural exchange both locally and internationally—while reinforcing pride and appreciation for local identity.
Which will take place in Historic Jeddah in 2025, the residency will explore the art scene of Arabic calligraphy through four key themes: its traditional roots, the arts that accompany it, leading contemporary practices, and questions surrounding the future of innovation in this timeless art form.
The 8-week residency brings together 10 resident artists from diverse backgrounds and majors. Both local and international participants will have access to space and activities focused on Arabic calligraphy arts, with an emphasis on cross-field exploration and experimentation. Artists will be invited to develop both individual and collaborative works during their stay. The program will end with a 3-day Open Studio event, open to the public. A planned schedule of workshops and training sessions will give participants space to exchange ideas and develop their creative skills, using Arabic calligraphy as a way to express their own projects and artistic ideas.
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
8 weeks (starting in Q4 of 2025).
Selection Committee
The proposed selection committee brings together diverse expertise in Arabic calligraphy.
Expert Arabic Calligraphers,
To ensure adherence to authenticity and traditional artistic values.
Arabic Calligraphy / Typography Designers
To enrich the discussion from the perspective of contemporary design and calligraphy in print and digital contexts.
Contemporary Arabic Calligraphy Artist
To present experimental and innovative insights that are in line with the spirit of the program.
Scholars and Historians in Arabic Calligraphy
To provide cultural and historical expertise and insight in line with the spirit of the program.
Program Phases
The program includes:
Studio work
Practical workshops
Discussions
Intensive courses
Development sessions with the lead curator
Consultations with field experts
Tours and visits
Individual outputs
Group outputs
Open studio
OPEN CALL
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Additional Information
The Program
- The Program
The artistic residency program in its second edition aims to encourage learning and exchange ideas around Arabic calligraphy, both locally and globally, to foster discovery.
It focuses on 4 main themes: discovering traditional roots, related art forms, contemporary practices, and the future of creativity in calligraphy.
The program helps artists develop both individual and group projects, ending with a public Open Studio event.
The program offers a full schedule that includes advanced workshops, critical discussions, one-on-one mentorship, cultural tours in and out of Jeddah, and visits to local artists’ studios and specialized workspaces.
It wraps up with a public Open Studio event, giving visitors a chance to engage directly with the artists’ creative journeys.
The residency supports the development of both research and art projects that contribute to a broader conversation about the future of Arabic calligraphy.
The residency hosts ten artists over an eight-week period, facilitated by the program team in collaboration with local and international experts.
The Open Studio runs for three days and is open to the public.
- What does the program offer?
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy’s artist residency program in its second edition provides a unique and impactful experience for selected residents, offering them the following:
Dedicated Studio & Living Space: A fully equipped location in Jeddah offering a shared studio, private workspaces, and comfortable private accommodation.
Travel: Round-trip airfare from each participant’s location to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and visa issuance for selected international participants.
Expert Mentorship: Guidance, feedback, and creative advice from professional calligraphers and experienced practitioners.
Engagement Activities: Participate in workshops, lectures, and interactive sessions with local, regional, and international experts.
Cultural Immersion: Activities designed to explore local culture and engage with the creative community, including visits to exhibitions and museums, and networking with key figures in the local art scene.
Monthly Pocket Money: A financial allowance covering personal expenses, transportation, and commuting throughout the program.
Production Grant: Each resident receives a dedicated production grant, with its amount determined based on the needs and specific requirements of each individual project.
Showcase Opportunities: Completed works and projects will be showcased at the Open Studio at the end of the residency.
Multilingual Environment: The program is offered in both Arabic and English to ensure clear and accessible communication.
Application Requirements
- All applications will be carefully reviewed by a committee of local and international experts in the fields of visual arts and Arabic calligraphy. Applicants will be asked to provide details on the following:
- As outlined in the following sections, each of these 5 points can be explained in brief statements:
1. Their area of expertise and artistic interests.
2. The importance of integrating local and global contexts, as well as themes of innovation and discovery, into their practice.
3. Their motivation for applying to the residency and how it will support the development of their professional practice.
4. The project they intend to work on during the residency period.
- The statement should be clear and include details about the applicant’s professional background, past experiences, interests, creative practices, and field of specialization.
- Motivation: A brief statement explaining why the applicant chose to apply for the residency and how the program will support the development of their practice.
- Project Proposal: Applicants are asked to submit a concise overview of the project they intend to develop or pursue during the residency. The description should clarify whether the project is research- or production-based, and indicate if it is a new initiative or a continuation of an existing body of work.
- Participants continuing an existing project are responsible for transporting any related materials to the residency workspace in Jeddah. The organizer will offer logistical support by recommending shipping providers, based on the curator’s assessment of the work.
- A portfolio that best represents the applicant’s artistic practice, including—but not limited to—examples of past artworks or projects, exhibitions, written materials, or publications, etc.
- Updated CV
Application Criteria
- Age: All applicants must be at least 21 years old at the start of the residency.
- Language: Proficiency in either Arabic or English is required.
- Nationality: Open to citizens, residents, and international applicants of all nationalities.
- Artistic Practice: The program is open to mid-career practitioners in the field of Arabic calligraphy. This includes, but is not limited to, those with experience in calligraphy, visual and fine arts, crafts related to Arabic calligraphy, contemporary practices, and critical research. Applicants should demonstrate a proven track record of producing visual artworks—academically or professionally—subject to evaluation criteria.
- Commitment: Applicants must commit to being physically present in Jeddah for the entire 8-week residency. Only those who can fully engage with the program’s intensive schedule will be considered. Selected artists are expected to actively participate in all activities and to develop a meaningful creative or research-based project that thoughtfully responds to the residency’s themes.
- Communication Skills: Openness to knowledge exchange, idea sharing, and artistic exploration is essential. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to engage in artistic dialogue and collaborate creatively with fellow residents, the curator, and participating experts.
- Complete Applications: Applications will only be reviewed if submitted through the official website and completed via the online application form. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be considered.
FAQs
- This program offers a temporary creative space for calligraphers and artists, providing the necessary support and tools to develop new artistic practices. It allows resident artists the opportunity to connect with fellow practitioners and creatives, while dedicating focused time for research or production within dedicated studio spaces.
- The program is developed by the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy initiative to foster innovation and collaboration between Arabic calligraphy and the visual arts within the residency framework. This edition of the residency program will be managed and supervised by a team of experienced local and international professionals across various creative fields.
- ● Age: All applicants must be at least 21 years old at the start of the residency.
- ● Language: Proficiency in either Arabic or English is required.
- ● Nationality: Open to citizens, residents, and international applicants of all nationalities.
- ● Artistic Practice: The program is open to mid-career practitioners in the field of Arabic calligraphy. This includes, but is not limited to, those with experience in calligraphy, visual and fine arts, crafts related to Arabic script, contemporary calligraphic practices, and critical research. Applicants should demonstrate a proven track record of producing visual artworks—academically or professionally—subject to evaluation criteria.
- ● Commitment: Applicants must commit to being physically present in Jeddah for the entire 8-week residency. Only those who can fully engage with the program’s intensive schedule will be considered. Selected artists are expected to actively participate in all activities and to develop a meaningful creative or research-based project that thoughtfully responds to the residency’s themes.
- ● Communication Skills: Openness to knowledge exchange, idea sharing, and artistic exploration is essential. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to engage in artistic dialogue and collaborate creatively with fellow residents, the curator, and participating experts.
- ● Complete Applications: Applications will only be reviewed if submitted through the official website and completed via the online application form. Incomplete or non-compliant submissions will not be considered.
- 10 resident artists are selected from diverse backgrounds and majors.
- The residency program will take place in the fourth quarter of 2025, with an open call for applications announced well in advance.
- ● The program runs for a duration of 8 weeks.
- ● The program offers a comprehensive schedule that includes advanced workshops, critical discussion sessions, one-on-one mentorship, cultural tours within and beyond Jeddah, and visits to studios and workshops of local artists and experts. It concludes with a public Open Studio event, inviting the wider community to engage directly with the artists’ creative journeys developed during the residency. The program encourages participants to produce research-based and artistic projects that contribute to a global dialogue on the future of Arabic calligraphy.
- ● Providing all required information in the application form.
- ● Artistic experience in Arabic calligraphy or related arts.
- ● The significance of the context presented in the application.
- ● The artistic motivation behind the application and its description.
- ● The submitted proposals and their significance.
- All selected residents will have the opportunity to showcase their work—whether artistic or research-based—created and reviewed during the residency, as part of the 3-days Open Studio event.
- Artists may present either an artwork or a research project developed during the residency, which will be showcased at the Open Studio event.
- The organizers cover local transportation costs within and outside Jeddah for group visits and activities involving the residents.
- The artist residency program is fully funded, covering the following expenses:
- ● Accommodation (private room with a private bathroom for each resident).
- ● Private workspace for each participant within the residence (with shared space).
- ● Round-trip travel ticket (to and from the residence).
- ● Assistance with visa issuance for selected international participants.
- ● Transportation for group trips and planned visits within and outside the city of Jeddah.
- ● A weekly allowance will be provided to cover residents’ personal and living expenses throughout the program duration, such as meals, private transportation, and laundry.
- ● A financial grant and production allowance will be provided, with amounts determined based on the needs and specific requirements of each artwork as assessed by the residency team.
- The program offers a schedule of events that includes external visits and activities.
- No, residents are responsible for securing their own health insurance independently.
- The artist residency program will not be responsible for extended stays or any related requirements, including—but not limited to—visa, accommodation, sponsorship, and daily living expenses.
- Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the first day of the residency program.
- Yes, the residency is open to all creatives—Saudi nationals, residents, and international applicants—who can demonstrate active artistic practice.
- Applications are welcome in either Arabic or English.
- Only applications submitted by the specified deadline will be considered. Late submissions received after the call closes will be excluded.
- No.
- Due to the expected high number of applicants, please note that the residency organizers will not be able to provide individual feedback to candidates who are not accepted.
- Yes.
● What is an art residency program?
● Who manages the program?
● What are the application requirements for the program?
● How many residents are accepted into the artist residency program?
● When does the artist residency program take place?
● What is the duration of the artist residency program, and what are its details?
● What are the evaluation criteria?
● Will I have the opportunity to showcase my personal work during the residency?
● Is it required to produce an artwork during the residency period?
● Does the residency cover local transportation costs?
● Is there any fee required to participate in the residency program?
● Will there be any activities held outside the residency site?
● Is insurance included as part of the residency?
● Can I extend my stay in Saudi Arabia after the residency program ends?
● Is there a minimum age to apply?
● Can applicants of all nationalities apply to the residency program?
● Is the application form required to be completed in English or Arabic?
● What if I miss the application deadline?
● Can groups submit a single application?
● Will I receive feedback if my application is not accepted?
● Am I required to be present for the entire duration of the program?
Contact Us
- daralqalamresidency@moc.gov.sa