Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar has announced the opening of applications for the second edition of its Tasweer Residency programme for 2026-27. The residency targets photographers and visual storytellers aged 21 and older who are based in Qatar. Applications will be accepted from July 21 through September 3.

The five-month residency will take place at Bayt Al Wakrah, located in the historic Old Al Wakrah City. The programme aims to support the artistic development of selected participants, culminating in an exhibition titled “As the Image Unfolds – The Language of Athar” during the 2027 Tasweer Festival. In addition, an online zine documenting the creative processes and collective outcomes of the residents will accompany the exhibition.

Participants are encouraged to present projects reflecting a wide range of photographic styles, including documentary, conceptual, and experimental approaches. The residency invites applicants to explore themes related to connections between people, culture, memory, and the environment both within Qatar and beyond.

Central to the residency is the concept of “athar,” an Arabic term meaning traces, imprints, and legacies. The programme views photography not only as a means to capture the present but also as a way to reimagine it through light, memory, and the interplay between visible and unseen elements.

Khalifa al-Obaidly, director of Tasweer Photo Festival Qatar, emphasized the significance of photography in contemporary life. He noted that the residency offers creatives a dedicated space and expert guidance to transform their artistic ideas into tangible works, set against the backdrop of Old Al Wakrah City’s historic environment.

Three photographers will be selected to participate in the residency. Each will receive a dedicated studio, a monthly stipend of QR4,000, and comprehensive mentorship from photography professionals. The programme focuses on fostering experimentation, critical dialogue, and community engagement, providing structured support from initial research through to project realization.

Following the success of its inaugural 2025 edition, the Tasweer Residency will continue to offer production and curatorial assistance, connections to local cultural institutions and professional networks, and opportunities for public interaction with the residents’ work.