Doha, Qatar: Fire Station: Artist in Residence (AIR) announced the invited artists and beginning of their “Ruwad in Residence” programme, which commenced on January 1.
The artists taking part in the latest edition of the programme are Haifa Alkhuzaei and Ahmed Al Hamar.
Fire Station began running the Ruwad in Residence programme in 2021, in support of Qatar-based established artists, and is a continuation of the programme that supported Qatari artist Faraj Daham from 2017 to 2020. The initiative ensures Fire Station’s connection to local artists of different career levels to create an exchange between the established artists and the local artists participating in the AIR programme, through mentorship and critique, while ensuring ongoing communication with the wider community through public programmes such as lectures and art workshops.
Director of Fire Station, Khalifa Al Obaidli, commented: “Fire Station takes great pride in extending a warm welcome to the participants of this year’s Ruwad Artist in Residence programme. This initiative provides an exceptional space for established creatives to engage with other emerging and mid-career artists, cultivating an exchange of art practices, knowledge, insights, and expertise.”
Head of Programmes and Exhibitions, Saida Al Khulaifi said: “The Ruwad artists will take part in a one year programme, allowing them the opportunity to engage with other resident artists and share their extensive experience and journeys with other local artists who aspire to have a similar career.”
Haifa Alkhuzaei is a former Qatari art teacher with 20 years of experience at Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Alkhuzaei was awarded a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Art Education from Qatar University in 1989, and a General Diploma in Fine Art from Besancon France in 1984. Alkhuzaei presented six exhibitions from 1984 to 2019.
Ahmed Al Hamar, who has participated in several exhibitions in Qatar and beyond, obtained a Bachelor of Art Education from Qatar University in 1999, and has been a member of the Qatar Society for Fine Arts since 1997.
Fire Station nominates artists to take part in this residency for up to two years. The Ruwad artists are offered a studio at Fire Station and engage with the local community through public programmes, such as talks and community workshops.
