Tasweer Photo Festival invites photographers and visual storytellers based in Qatar to apply for the 2026–2027 Tasweer Residency: As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar. Through mentorship, experimentation, and critical dialogue at Bayt Al Wakrah, three selected residents will develop new work over five months, culminating in an exhibition during Tasweer Festival.
About Tasweer Residency: As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar
Photography is a way of shaping light, framing memory, and giving form to silence. Rooted in this ethos, Tasweer Residency: As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar invites photographers to deepen their practice at Bayt Al Wakrah, where the concept of athar — traces, imprints, legacies — becomes both method and metaphor.
Over the course of 5 months, 3 selected residents will move from research to realisation. This is a journey of collective learning where imagemakers explore photography as both record and reimagining, working through dialogue, experimental practices, and community engagement.
Supported by dedicated mentorship and critical exchange, the residency culminates in a group exhibition during Tasweer Festival, accompanied by an online zine that documents the residents’ processes and honours the outcomes of their collective journey.
About the Tasweer Residency 2026–2027 Open Call: As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar
Tasweer Photo Festival invites emerging photographers and visual storytellers based in Qatar, aged 21 and above, to apply for the 2026–2027 Residency Program. We welcome a wide range of practices, including documentary, conceptual, and experimental image-making. In line with Tasweer’s commitment to meaningful visual narratives, we welcome projects that explore themes of place, memory, and lived experience within Qatar and beyond.
We seek applicants who are authentic, curious, and thoughtful in their engagement with context, aiming to highlight the vital connections between people, culture, and the environment. The residency invites participants to bring a unique perspective, explore the unfolding language of the image, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue of visual storytelling.
Learn More About The Previous Residency, Residents & Mentors (2025–2026) : Click for more
OFFERS & ELIGIBILITY
What the Tasweer Residency: As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar Offers:
Dedicated studio space for the artist to work on their project throughout the residency.
Monthly stipend of 4,000 QAR to support artists during the residency.
Connection to local cultural institutions and professional networks.
Mentoring and professional development.
Access to local networks and resources.
Production and curatorial support.
Public engagement and exhibition opportunities.
Eligibility:
Applicants are invited to apply if they meet the following criteria:
Emerging photographers and visual storytellers based in Qatar, aged 21 and above.
Possess an ongoing project, concept, or clear vision to develop during the residency.
Committed to developing a photographic or visual storytelling practice.
Passionate about engaging with communities and public audiences.
Able to fully commit to the entire duration of the residency.
DATES, REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS
Important Dates:
Applications Open: 21 July 2026 – 3 September 2026
Interviews: Beginning of September to Mid-September 2026
Residency Duration: 1 October 2026 – 1 March 2027
Exhibition Material Handover Deadline: 1 February 2027
Exhibition: Spring 2027- In line with Tasweer Photography Festival (4th Edition)
Application Requirements:
Cover Letter: A brief introduction to who you are, why you are applying, and why you are a good fit for the programme. Tell us about your interest in the residency, what draws you to Tasweer, and how this opportunity fits into your current practice and goals.
Artist Bio & Statement: A short artist bio introducing your background and practice, along with a statement that outlines your artistic approach, key themes, and ideas that inform your work.
CV: An overview of your educational, professional, and artistic experience.
Portfolio (PDF Format): Submit a selection of your strongest work that reflects your practice. This can include previous or ongoing photography projects, or 15–20 of your best single images. For each project or image, include a short description, caption, and title.
Residency Statement of Intent (Project Goals + Exhibition Vision): Outline your plan for the residency and the project you wish to develop. Describe your concept, research, and intended outcomes. Include how you envision developing your work, how it connects to the theme and objectives of the residency, and how you see the project evolving beyond the residency.
1–2 Recommendation Letters: Submit 1–2 references from professionals who are familiar with your personality and practice. These could include educators, curators, or institutional representatives who can speak to your commitment, potential, and ability to benefit from the residency.
Process:
- Applications will be carefully reviewed for alignment with the residency’s aims.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview.
- Final selection will be communicated within 4-5 weeks of the application deadline.
About Bayt Al Wakrah
Bayt Al Wakrah is a multi-purpose creative space activated by Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar. Comprising a historic house and dedicated studios, it hosts residencies, exhibitions, educational programmes, workshops, and community-led initiatives that support artistic development and creative exchange. Through a year-round programme of activities, Bayt Al Wakrah provides a platform for image-makers and cultural practitioners to experiment, collaborate, learn, and connect with audiences.
Closing 3 September 2026
