Residency programme offers Jordanian artists chance to share talent with world

AMMAN — A residency programme aimed at fostering artistic encounters and crossovers between artists from all over the world has recently launched a call for applications for its upcoming spring session.

“Born out of the desire to bring artists from all over the world together and gather all disciplines in a single location,” the programme is offered by the Cité Internationale des arts in Paris, the largest artist residence centre in the world, according to its website. 

Founded in 1965, the Cité Internationale des Arts has welcomed more than 22,000 residents since its creation, with over 1,200 Artists coming from 90 different countries each year.

In its 326 studios located in the heart of Paris’ Marais and Montmartre districts, artists in the fields of visual arts, music, writing and performing arts are encouraged to develop creative projects during residencies lasting between two months and a year.

“The residency at la Cité came at an important stage of writing and development for ‘Farha’, my first narrative film, a time where I really needed to immerse myself completely in the creation phase of the film’s life," recalled Darin Sallam, a Jordanian director and writer who benefited from the residency between April and July 2017.

"It was also a great opportunity to connect with French industry professionals through various film and cultural activities held in Paris and Cannes during the film festival, in addition to exchanging and connecting with other artists at la Cité," Sallam, who co-founded TaleBox, a Jordanian production and training company based in Amman, told The Jordan Times. 

Based on artistic projects of residents, artists and/or curators, the Cité internationale des arts offers a multidisciplinary cultural programme spread across its various venues around the capital.

“We also support projects outside our walls [‘hors les murs’] implemented by our residents who get the chance to be in contact with professionals in the field,” the residency organisers said.

In addition, the residents also benefit from French lessons and collective workshops such as engraving and silkscreen printing, among others.

Another resident of the programme, Jordanian Shadi Khries, was chosen for his work as a percussionist, DJ and producer.

Currently based in Paris, where he performs at several famous clubs, Khries is working on an electro festival project to be held in Wadi Rum on March 30 and 31.

Submission of applications, which are open to any French and foreign artists and curators over the age of 18, will run through March 1, according to the Cite des arts’ website, which indicated that results will be announced beginning in mid-April.

The selection process will be conducted by experts from the relevant disciplines including representatives of the French ministry of culture, the city of Paris, the French Institute, representatives of cultural institutions, heads of music conservatories and art schools, independent curators, and so on.