ChrysArte Pakistan Residency

Immerse yourself in Pakistan's majestic northern landscapes, engaging with local communities and traditional craftsmanship.

Overview

Step into the heart of South Asia’s vibrant contemporary art scene. ChrysArte invites visual artists, researchers, and creators from around the globe to an immersive, fully managed 6-week residency in Pakistan.

Designed for artists seeking either raw creative isolation, deep urban immersion, or dedicated time for their artistic practice while experiencing Pakistan through its places, people, art and culture. Developed in partnership with Collective 55 and its founder, contemporary artist and curator Qasim Bugti, the program provides a structured framework for deep studio practice, critical dialogue, and professional engagement within South Asia’s contemporary art ecosystem.

The residency accommodates two distinct approaches to production: a sustained urban engagement within the cultural landscape of Lahore or Karachi, or a hybrid itinerary that splits the duration between the remote geography of Northern Pakistan and the city.

Whether you choose to create in the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Pakistan or the bustling cultural alleyways of the city, you will be fully supported by a dedicated team handling every detail of your logistics, allowing you to focus entirely on your practice.

Choose Your Track

Track A: The Mentorship & Incubation Track ($2,000 USD)

Prioritize experimentation, technical growth, and unpressured creative research.

  • Focus: Deep conceptual development, studio exploration, and cultural research.

  • The Experience: 6 weeks of uninterrupted studio time, intensive peer exchange, and regular one-on-one curatorial crits with Qasim Bugti.

  • Outcome: A completely transformed body of work, a deeply expanded global perspective, and casual studio visits with local curators, artists and academic figures to integrate your work into the regional discourse free from the stress of a looming public deadline. 

Track B: The Exhibition & Market Launch Track ($2,500 USD)

Launch your commercial and institutional presence in the thriving South Asian art market.

  • Focus: Rigorous studio production culminating in a professional public showcase.

  • The Experience: 4 weeks of uninterrupted studio time with continuous, rigorous one-on-one crits and guidance from curator Qasim Bugti, 1 week of curatorial preparation/catalog design, and 1 week of full-service exhibition production managed by our curatorial team.

  • Outcome: A curated public exhibition an established gallery in Lahore or Karachi. We handle your opening night PR, invite prominent local collectors, art critics, and institutional curators, and offer a highly artist-protective 10% gallery sales commission so you keep the rewards of your labor.

To best serve your studio needs, we offer two distinct pathways designed around your current professional goals:

The Hybrid Itinerary

Artists on either track may choose to divide their residency into two distinct phases:

  • Phase I (Weeks 1–4): Studio production and research in a remote mountain location in Northern Pakistan.

  • Phase II (Weeks 5–6): Transition to Lahore for urban dialogue, curatorial adjustments, final studio execution and public programming/exhibition execution.


(Note: All domestic cross-country transit and artwork transport between the North and Lahore are managed and covered by the residency).

Provisions & Hospitality

To allow residents to focus exclusively on their practice, the program fee provides comprehensive logistical infrastructure:

Accommodation
Shared rooms for all participants for the complete residency period (separate beds, en-suite bathroom)

Meals
Three locally sourced daily meals provided throughout the duration of the program.

Workspace
24/7 access to a dedicated studio space within the residency facilities to develop their work without a prescribed studio schedule.

Mentorship
Scheduled studio critic and contextual guidance led by Qasim Bugti.

Local Programme
Curated visits to galleries, museums, exhibitions, studios, cultural sites and other places relevant to the location.

Artist Connections
Introductions and opportunities to meet Pakistani artists, curators and other members of the local art community.

Cultural Visits
Opportunities to experience the local culture and surroundings beyond the residency space.

Local Support
ChrysArte support throughout the residency, including orientation, local communication and assistance with the local programme.

Documentation
Photographic documentation of the residency and selected programme activities.

Transit
All internal daily transportation, and domestic travel between regional sites during the program.

Presentation
Where appropriate to the individual session, an open studio, artist talk or presentation of the residents' practices.

Production (Exhibition Track Only)
Gallery venue, curatorial oversight, archival catalog, and opening-night public relations.

What artists cover

The following remain the artist's responsibility:

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Art materials

  • Airport arrival and departure transfers

  • Personal and extracurricular expenses

Who can apply

The program is open to international visual artists, researchers, curators, and cultural practitioners working across all creative disciplines. We welcome applicants across all career stages, from emerging voices to established practitioners, with no restrictions based on age, background, or academic qualifications.

We actively encourage applications from emerging & mid-career artists who are looking to expand their international presence, engage in rigorous critical dialogue, or those seeking a dedicated period of uninterrupted studio incubation and benefit from structured mentorship at a pivotal stage in their careers. 

Application Requirements

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please submit the following components via email:

  1. Digital Portfolio: A single PDF containing up to 10 images of recent work with full captions (title, medium, dimensions, year).

  2. Artist Statement: Your conceptual focus and motivation.

  3. Curriculum Vitae: Detailing your professional history.

  4. Project Proposal: A brief outline of your objectives during the 6–week period, including your preferred track (Research or Exhibition) and itinerary structure (Lahore-only or Hybrid).

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

Locations

ChrysArte does not operate from a single permanent residency site.

Each session is hosted in a different location in Pakistan, allowing artists to experience different artistic, cultural and geographical contexts across the country.

Artists may indicate their preferred working environment as part of their application. Those seeking a quieter or more isolated setting may express a preference for a northern location, while artists who prefer to work within a more active cultural environment may indicate a preference for Lahore.

Final location placement is determined by ChrysArte based on the residency programme, available location and the requirements of the participating artists.

Some of the locations are:

Hunza

Lahore

Skardu

Karachi

Where the Karakoram rises above ancient forts, terraced valleys and villages shaped by centuries of mountain culture. From the striking Passu peaks to the turquoise waters of Attabad Lake, Hunza carries a rare harmony of immense landscapes and living heritage.

Pakistan’s cultural heart, where Mughal grandeur, historic streets and a thriving contemporary art scene exist side by side. From the walled city to its galleries, museums and creative spaces, Lahore carries a cultural life that is both deeply rooted and constantly evolving.

A landscape of dramatic contrasts; immense Karakoram peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, sweeping cold deserts and centuries-old Balti heritage. From the still waters of Kachura to the vastness of Deosai and the road towards K2, Skardu feels both elemental and otherworldly.

Pakistan’s largest city and great coastal metropolis, a place of restless energy, cultural diversity and a thriving art ecosystem. Alongside the Arabian Sea, its galleries, collectors and creative institutions have made Karachi a major centre for art commerce and contemporary practice.

Apply Now

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:

  • Full Name

  • Contact Number / WhatsApp

  • Email Address

  • Current City & Country of Residence

  • Website / Professional Art Instagram Link

  • Digital Portfolio (Single PDF, Max 10MB)

  • Project Proposal (PDF)

  • 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.