Fire Station: Artist in Residence is thrilled to announce the opening of the highly anticipated exhibition, "The Voyager is the Narrator: New York & Paris Residency Exhibition," on February 7, 2024, showcasing the remarkable works of 10 talented artists who participated in the international residency program across Paris and New York.
The Voyager is the Narrator: New York & Paris Residency Exhibition, housed in galleries 3 and 4 at Fire Station, will be open to the public until 20 April 2024, Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 7pm and Fridays from 1:30pm to 7pm. This exhibition will offer a captivating journey through the distinctive perspectives and creative expressions that have emerged from these two iconic cities.
The Fire Station: Artist in Residence is a world-class artist residency programme, designed to nurture, energise, and promote Qatar’s artistic and creative community. The residency programme provides young artists with the opportunity to cultivate their talent through production support, curatorial advice, expert mentorships, as well as access to studio space. At the end of their residency, artists will have the opportunity to showcase their artworks in an exhibition held in the Garage Gallery.
The Artist is Residence programme has been a resounding success and expanded its duration to include a three-month stint at the prestigious Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and in New York City at Studio 209 NY, which is part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP). This residency programme is an opportunity for emerging artists to showcase their talent and creativity on an international platform and is designed to encourage the artists by providing them with an immersive experience in the heart of New York and Paris' vibrant artistic scenes. It also offers a chance for the artist to engage with the international art community, explore diverse cultural perspectives, and develop their creative practice.
Khalifa Al Obaidli, Director of Fire Station, said, “At the Fire Station, we believe in fostering an environment where artists can flourish. "The Voyager is the Narrator: New York & Paris Residency Exhibition" exhibition exemplifies the global perspective and diverse creativity that arise when artists engage with different cultures. We invite everyone to witness the rich tapestry of artistic expressions brought to life by our international residency program."
Saida Al-Khulaifi, Exhibition Curator, said, "Curating this exhibition has been a journey of discovery, witnessing the transformation of ideas into tangible expressions. The selected artworks reflect the cultural exchange and artistic growth experienced by each participant during their residencies in New York and Paris. Each piece tells a story, and collectively, they form a narrative of creativity without borders."
The participating artists from Paris are Ibrahim Albaker, Voyyyd, Fatima Ahmed, Lolwa Almeghaiseb and Maryam AlTajer, and the participating artists from New York are Almaha Nasser, Saida Alkhulaifi, Zainab Alshibani, and Wadha Almesallam.
For more information, please visit https://www.firestation.org.qa/.
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About Fire Station: Artist in Residence
The Fire Station is a world-class artist residency programme for residents of Qatar designed to nurture, energize and promote the country’s artistic and creative community, as well as enrich the art scene in Qatar. Founded in 2015 and located in a fire station that was repurposed by Qatari architect Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah, the nine-month programme for creatives across all disciplines enables young artists to cultivate their talent through production support, curatorial advice, and expert mentorships. During the residency, artists engage with professionals from all over the world who recognise Qatar as a growing centre of artistic talent and creativity. The Fire Station includes extensive studio spaces, a theatre, a café, and gallery spaces presenting inspiring local and international exhibitions. Over the past six years, the programme has welcomed 92 artists and expanded its duration to include a three-month stint at the prestigious Cite Internationale des Art in Paris and in New York City at Studio 209 NY, which is part of the International Studio & Curatorial Program (ISCP).
The Fire Station campus also includes the popular restaurant Café #999, a bookshop, art supply shop, cinema and artist facilities. The Fire Station has also hosted world class exhibitions organized by Qatar Museums within its expansive Garage Gallery, including Picassos Studios (2020), KAWS: He Eats Alone (2019) curated by renown art historian Germano Celant, Kazimir Malevich: Genius of the Russian Avant-garde (2019), Russian Avant-garde Pioneers and Direct Descendants (2018), Laundromat by Ai Weiwei (2018), German Encounters – Contemporary Masterworks from the Deutsche Bank Collection (2017), and Picasso-Giacometti (2017). The Fire Station is headed by Director Khalifa Ahmad Al Obaidli, the renowned Qatari photographer.
About Qatar Museums
Qatar Museums (QM), the nation's preeminent institution for art and culture, provides authentic and inspiring cultural experiences through a growing network of museums, heritage sites, festivals, public art installations, and programmes. QM preserves, restores, and expands the nation's cultural offerings and historical sites, sharing art and culture from Qatar, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region with the world and enriching the lives of citizens, residents, and visitors.
Under the patronage of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and led by its Chairperson, Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, QM has made Qatar a vibrant centre for the arts, culture, and education in the Middle East and beyond. QM is integral to the goal of developing an innovative, diverse, and progressive nation, bringing people together to ignite new thinking, spark critical cultural conversations, educate and encourage environmental stewardship and sustainable practices, and amplify the voices of Qatar's people. Since its founding in 2005, QM has overseen the Museum of Islamic Art and MIA Park, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Qatar, QM Gallery Al Riwaq, QM Gallery Katara and the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum. Future museums include Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, Qatar Auto Museum, Art Mill Museum and the Lusail Museum.
Through its newly created Creative Hub, QM also initiates and supports projects—such as the Fire Station Artist in Residence, the Tasweer Qatar Photo Festival, the creative hub for innovation, fashion and design M7, and Liwan Design Studios and Labs —that nurture artistic talent and create opportunities to build a strong and sustainable cultural infrastructure.
Animating everything that Qatar Museums does is an authentic connection to Qatar and its heritage, a steadfast commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, and a belief in creating value through invention.