RFAs: Artists Intensive Study Programme (Second Edition)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Artists Intensive Study Programme (AISP) Second Edition is a fully funded nine-month immersive training opportunity for emerging visual artists from around the world. Based in Doha, Qatar, the programme provides studio time, workshops, seminars, mentorship, critiques, and public engagement opportunities to help participants develop their artistic practice in a rigorous interdisciplinary environment.

About the Artists Intensive Study Programme

The Artists Intensive Study Programme (AISP) aims to nurture a new generation of innovative and critical artists through an immersive and interdisciplinary learning environment. The nine-month programme is designed for emerging visual artists who are committed to developing their artistic practice through intensive studio work, theoretical learning, experimentation, and interaction with other artists and cultural professionals. The programme supplements traditional art education by combining practical and theoretical approaches within a multidisciplinary environment in Doha. What Does the Programme Offer? Participants will take part in a structured curriculum designed to support artistic development and critical thinking.

The programme includes:

- Structured studio time. - Practice-based workshops. - Theoretical seminars. - Group critiques. - Mentorship. - Public engagement opportunities. - Open studios. - A culminating exhibition. These activities allow participants to develop their artistic practice while engaging with different perspectives and approaches to contemporary visual art. Mentorship and Global Perspectives Participants will benefit from mentorship provided by established artists, curators, and theorists. The curriculum incorporates diverse global perspectives and aims to foster a strong network of cultural communities beyond the Western Hemisphere. Through interaction with mentors and fellow participants, artists can develop new perspectives, exchange ideas, and build professional relationships within an international artistic environment. Fully Funded Support The programme provides substantial financial support for international participants.

The support includes:

- Flights. - Accommodation in Qatar. - A per diem to support living expenses during the nine-month programme. - No tuition fee. - No application fee. This funding structure is designed to allow selected international artists to participate in the programme in Doha for the full duration. Programme Duration The Artists Intensive Study Programme is scheduled to run from approximately 14 March to 12 November 2027. Participants are expected to remain physically present in Doha, Qatar, throughout the programme. The nine-month structure provides participants with an extended period to focus on their artistic practice, participate in the curriculum, engage with mentors and peers, and contribute to public-facing activities. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to emerging visual artists from any country.

Applicants must:

- Be between 18 and 35 years old. - Be an emerging visual artist. - Have a clear artistic practice. - Demonstrate strong motivation to develop their work. - Be willing to live and participate physically in Doha for the duration of the programme. - Have proficiency in English. A formal academic degree is not required to apply. No Formal Degree Required Applicants do not need to hold a formal university or art-school degree. Instead, the programme focuses on applicants’ artistic potential, the quality of their application, their existing artistic practice, and their alignment with the goals of the programme. This makes the opportunity accessible to emerging artists who have developed their practice through different educational or professional pathways. Selection Process Up to 25 participants will be selected for the second edition of the programme. Applications will be reviewed by a distinguished jury. Selection will be based on factors including: - Artistic potential. - Quality of the application. - Alignment with the programme’s goals. Applicants should therefore clearly communicate their artistic practice, motivation, and reasons for seeking an intensive interdisciplinary learning experience. Importance of Physical Presence in Doha The programme is an immersive, in-person opportunity. Selected participants must be willing to be physically present in Doha for the duration of the nine-month programme. This requirement allows participants to take full part in studio activities, workshops, seminars, critiques, mentorship sessions, public engagement activities, open studios, and the culminating exhibition. Public Engagement and Exhibition The programme extends beyond studio-based learning by providing opportunities for participants to engage with the public.

Participants will have opportunities to take part in

- Open studios. - Public engagement activities. - A culminating exhibition. These activities allow emerging artists to share their practices and work with audiences while gaining experience in presenting their artistic projects publicly. How to Prepare a Strong Application Applicants should present a clear picture of their artistic practice and demonstrate why the programme is relevant to their development.

A strong application should:

- Clearly describe the applicant’s artistic practice. - Demonstrate artistic potential. - Explain motivation for joining the programme. - Show commitment to developing an artistic practice. - Reflect an interest in interdisciplinary learning and exchange. - Clearly demonstrate alignment with the programme’s goals. - Ensure that the applicant can commit to being physically present in Doha for the full programme. Key Facts About the Artists Intensive Study Programme

- Programme: Artists Intensive Study Programme (AISP), Second Edition

- Location: Doha, Qatar

- Duration: Nine months

- Programme dates: Approximately 14 March–12 November 2027

- Funding: Fully funded for international participants

- Eligible app