AIR 2027 for global artists in Egypt

Out of the Circle is a private arts entity based in Cairo, Egypt. We offer a platform that facilitates and curates events, art residencies, artistic research and exhibitions. Our aim is to be a bridge connecting the arts scene in Egypt and North Africa with our international peers in a two-way exchange: creating opportunities to promote local artists globally on the one hand, whilst simultaneously bringing international artists into the fold of Egypt and North Africa’s art community. This is the philosophy at the heart of our organisation – empowering local creatives from Egypt and North Africa to access opportunities outside of their usual ‘circle’, and bringing international creatives from around the world into Egypt and North Africa, with all the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and inspiration that entails. As part of this two-way exchange, we offer an ongoing Art Residency program. This aims to support all types of international artists, as well as curators and researchers to carry out their artistic research while exploring a unique blend of contemporary Egyptian and North African life, traditions, arts, and culture. Primarily a research residency, selected participants are able to gain insight into Egyptian history, and North African culture and society with a carefully planned residency itinerary, dedicated workspace, the opportunity to connect with local practitioners in their field, and support and guidance from the OOTC team. Who can apply? – Global artists, curators, architects, creative practitioners and researchers with an art research project they would like to work on in Egypt. – Individuals who are able to stay for a minimum of three weeks. – Artists who are working on or who plan to work on a project which can be advanced by dedicated research time in Cairo. – Those searching for a supportive arts residency to introduce them to the art, history and culture of Egypt and North Africa. – Artists with a vision for how a residency in Egypt specifically will be beneficial to their practice. Duration of residency Minimum three weeks to one month Accommodation Accommodation is hosted by Out Of The Circle’s curator in a cozy apartment in the Mohandessin area. This location is in central Cairo, a five minute walk from Wadi El Nile metro station, or a quick 15 – 20 minute cab ride from Zamalek or Downtown; two art-hub neighborhoods. The resident will have a private double room with air conditioning, a separate workspace, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom.​​ The kitchen is well-equipped with a fridge, a stove and a washing machine. The entire apartment has ceiling fans to help maintain a comfortable temperature during summer. The apartment is also home to the OOTC office, which may be used occasionally during your stay ONLY with prior agreement from the artist. Disciplines, work equipment and assistance Out Of The Circle AIR program is an art research based residency open for all artists who use different mediums in the contemporary art field, in addition to curators and art researchers. Assistance from Out Of The Circle includes: Support in developing your artists’ research throughout your stay. A customized itinerary for the residency based on your research proposal and areas of interest. A local art guide to accompany you through Cairo’s vibrant cultural scene up to three days a week, exploring what Cairo’s diverse neighborhoods have to offer, as well as introducing important historical and cultural places. In Addition to Connections with local artists or cultural organisations who are aligned with your practice (based on their availability). Studio / Workspace There is a dedicated studio space in the Out Of The Circle apartment. This is a comfortable and sunny workspace with a good view suitable for research, expermination and small to medium scale work. We maintain a selection of books on topics such as curation, Egyptian history and culture, and art which are available for the artist to borrow during their stay. Fees and support The residency fee paid by the artist is US$ 350 per week (a minimum of three weeks and a maximum of one month per stay), including: – A private double room with air conditioning, a dedicated workspace, bathroom, living room and kitchen (with fridge, cooker, and washing machine). – A carefully planned residency itinerary based on your residency project and length of stay. – A thorough introduction to Cairo’s local art scene, along with Cairo-based artists, curators, and art practitioners within OOTC’s network, subject to availability. You are also encouraged to reach out to local artists and build connections independently. – Support in developing your research project. – Promotion of you and your project through our social media channels. – Payment of bills associated with living and working out of our apartment in Mohandaseen (WiFi, gas, electricity, water). – Collection from the airport upon arrival. – Welcome dinner with the team. – Hospitality in the form of food and drink waiting for you in the fridge on the first day, to keep you going until you have the chance to visit a supermarket! – A pre-loaded metro card for use during your stay. If desired, OOTC can contact and arrange a trusted driver to take the artist on any trips outside of Cairo. In this case, the driver will be paid directly by the artist. OOTC is also able to connect resident artists with craft workshops they may be want to take part in, such as for pottery, copper, wood, or tentmaking (khatamiya) etc. Out Of The Circle are also able to provide a letter of invitation to selected artists to facilitate funding applications. Expectations towards the artist Artists-in-residence are invited to first conceptualize their proposal and then realize a specific art project during their stay – be it a visual art project or artistic research – for a selected duration from 3 weeks to one month. At the end of a one month stay there is an option to organise a one-night event to show