ChrysArte International Residency

A two-week international residency for artists based in Pakistan.

Overview

ChrysArte International Residency provides artists based in Pakistan with the opportunity to undertake a two-week residency in a different country, engaging directly with its artistic, cultural and creative environment.

Developed by ChrysArte in collaboration with Collective 55 and its founder, contemporary artist and curator Qasim Bugti, each edition takes place in a different international destination and is developed with local partners. The programme is designed to give artists access to a new cultural context while providing time for artistic practice, research, exchange and professional engagement.

Each destination brings its own programme, shaped around the local art scene and cultural landscape. Artists may visit galleries, museums, studios and cultural institutions, meet local practitioners, attend exhibitions and events, and take part in activities arranged specifically for the residency.

The residency is fully organised, with international travel, accommodation, meals, visa-related arrangements, local transportation and programme tickets included in the residency package.

This Year's Country

For this edition, ChrysArte International Residency takes artists to Dubai, offering an opportunity to engage with its contemporary art scene, cultural institutions and wider creative environment.

Over the course of 14 days, artists will experience the destination through a combination of curated visits, meetings, exhibitions, cultural activities and independent exploration. The programme will introduce participants to the local artistic community while allowing time to pursue their own practice and interests.

Residency Duration: 14 Days
Location: Dubai

The programme includes visits to selected galleries, museums, studios and cultural institutions, alongside opportunities to meet local artists, curators and other creative practitioners.

Timeline

Phase I: Pre-Departure

Preparation & Orientation

  • Selection: Selected artists complete the required documentation and preparations for international travel.

  • Visa & Travel: ChrysArte coordinates the relevant visa process, flights and travel arrangements.

  • Orientation: Artists receive the residency schedule, destination information and practical details before departure.


Phase II: International Residency — 14 Days

Location: Dubai

  • Residency: Artists spend two weeks in the host country, combining independent practice with the scheduled programme.

  • Engagement: Artists participate in visits, meetings, exhibitions, cultural activities and opportunities for exchange.

  • Independent Time: Time is reserved for artists to explore the destination and continue their own practice.


Phase III: Return & Continuation

  • Following the residency, artists return to Pakistan with continued access to the professional connections and relationships developed during the programme.

Provisions & Hospitality

The residency is designed as a fully organised programme, allowing artists to focus on their practice and engagement with the destination.

International Travel
Round-trip travel between Pakistan and the host destination.

Visa
Visa-related costs and application support, where applicable.

Accommodation
Shared rooms for all participants for the complete residency period.

Meals
Daily meals provided throughout the duration of the program.

Local Connections
Opportunities to engage with artists, curators and creative practitioners within the host country's art community.

Mentorship
Continuous, scheduled studio crits, concept reviews, and professional guidance led by Qasim Bugti.

Cultural Visits
Opportunities to experience the local cultural sites, surroundings and other places relevant to the location.

Local Transport
Transportation required for scheduled residency activities.

Exhibition
Comprehensive gallery venue setup, curatorial layout oversight, archival catalog design, and opening-night public relations.

Who can apply

The programme is open to artists based in Pakistan working across visual and contemporary artistic practices. Applications are welcomed from artists at different stages of their careers. We look for artists with an active practice and a genuine interest in engaging with an international artistic and cultural environment. Applicants should be prepared to participate in the scheduled programme while also making meaningful use of the independent time provided during the residency.

Program & Fees

The programme is structured as a 14-day international residency, combining dedicated time for independent artistic practice with a curated programme of cultural and professional activities.

The programme includes:

  • Visits to galleries, museums and cultural institutions

  • Artist and studio visits

  • Exhibitions, talks and cultural events

  • Meetings with local artists, curators and practitioners

  • Curated cultural experiences

  • Time for independent artistic practice and exploration


Programme Fee: PKR 300,000

The programme fee includes the travel, accommodation, meals, visa-related arrangements, local transportation and scheduled programme activities outlined under Provisions & Hospitality. Any costs not specifically listed under the residency provisions remain the responsibility of the participating artist.

Application Requirements

Applications will be reviewed through a portfolio-based selection process.

Applicants will be asked to submit:

  1. Digital Portfolio: A selection of recent works with complete captions including title, medium, dimensions and year.

  2. Artist Statement: A concise statement outlining the artist's practice and current areas of interest.

  3. Curriculum Vitae: A current CV including exhibitions, education, residencies, awards and relevant professional experience.


Application Fee: Details will be announced with each edition.

No Application Fee: We believe in an accessible review process. Applications are free.

Apply Now

Applications are reviewed by ChrysArte and Collective 55 through a portfolio-based selection process.

Selection considers the quality and development of an applicant's artistic practice, their engagement with the proposed residency experience, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the programme's environment of exchange and dialogue.

Please complete your submission using the layout below. Email your application materials directly to our curatorial team. Ensure you CC the secondary address listed below to guarantee your submission is logged immediately.

Attachments Checklist:

  1. Digital Portfolio (Single PDF, Max 10 images)

  2. Artist Statement & Curriculum Vitae (CV)

  • Full Name:

  • Contact Number / WhatsApp:

  • Email Address:

  • Current City of Residence:

  • Website / Professional Art Instagram Link:

  • Digital Portfolio (Single PDF, Max 10MB)

  • Artist CV (PDF)


By submitting your application, you acknowledge that this is a fee-based residency and agree to the program fee requirements, comprehensive Terms & Conditions, and Privacy Policy upon selection.