Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar has opened applications for the second edition of its residency programme, inviting emerging photographers and visual storytellers based in Qatar to develop new creative projects with professional support.
Applications for the 2026–27 Tasweer Residency: “As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar” will remain open until September 3, 2026.
The five-month programme will select three residents to work from Bayt Al Wakrah in historic Old Al Wakrah City.
Who can apply for the Tasweer Residency?
The open call is available to emerging photographers and visual storytellers who:
- Are aged 21 or above
- Are currently based in Qatar
- Have an ongoing project, concept or clear creative vision
- Are committed to developing their photography or visual storytelling practice
- Are interested in engaging with communities and public audiences
- Can participate throughout the full residency period
Applicants may work across documentary, conceptual or experimental photography and image-making.
What selected residents will receive
Three applicants will be selected for the programme. Each resident will receive:
- Dedicated studio space at Bayt Al Wakrah
- A monthly stipend of QR4,000
- Mentoring and professional development
- Production and curatorial support
- Access to cultural institutions, professional networks and local resources
- Opportunities for community and public engagement
- Participation in a group exhibition
The programme will guide participants from the early research stage through the production and presentation of their final work.
Residency to culminate in Tasweer Festival exhibition
The residency will run from October 1, 2026, until March 1, 2027.
The residents’ completed projects will be presented in the exhibition “As the Image Unfolds — The Language of Athar” during the fourth edition of the Tasweer Photography Festival in spring 2027.
An online zine will also document the participating artists’ creative processes and the collective journey behind the projects.
What applicants need to submit
Applicants must prepare several documents demonstrating their creative experience, artistic direction and proposed project.
Required materials include:
- A cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest and suitability
- A short artist biography and artistic statement
- An updated CV
- A photography portfolio in PDF format
- A residency statement explaining the proposed project and exhibition vision
- One or two professional recommendation letters
The portfolio may contain previous or ongoing projects or a selection of 15 to 20 individual images. Each project or photograph should include a title, caption and short description.
How the selection process works
Applications will be assessed according to how closely the applicant’s work and proposed project align with the residency’s objectives.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews between early and mid-September 2026. The final selections are expected to be communicated within four to five weeks of the application deadline.
Selected participants must be able to commit to the full programme, including studio work, mentorship, public engagement and exhibition preparation.
How to apply for the Tasweer Residency
Eligible photographers and visual storytellers can complete the online application through the official Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar website.
Applications are open until 11:59pm on September 3, 2026. Applicants should prepare all required documents and portfolio materials before completing the submission form.
Supporting Qatar’s photography community
The residency builds on the inaugural 2025–26 edition and aims to provide emerging image-makers with the time, resources and professional guidance needed to develop ambitious new work.
By connecting residents with mentors, cultural institutions and public audiences, the programme contributes to Qatar’s growing visual arts community while creating new opportunities for photographers to present stories shaped by the country’s places, communities and experiences.
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