Fire Station’s Open Call for Emerging Artists
Fire Station has opened applications for AISP 2027, a fully funded nine month programme for emerging artists aged 18 to 35, led by Wael Shawky.
Fire Station Doha
Apply for the 2027 Artists Intensive Study Programme, a fully funded nine-month program led by Wael Shawky
Fire Station in Doha is now accepting applications for the second edition of its Artists Intensive Study Programme (AISP) 2027. The nine-month program brings together 25 emerging artists from Qatar and around the world, offering a chance to grow your artistic practice through studio work, critical discussions, mentorship, and interdisciplinary exchange.
What is the Fire Station open call?
The Artists Intensive Study Programme is an immersive nine-month programme designed to give emerging artists the time and space to challenge, develop and expand their practices.
Led by internationally acclaimed artist and Fire Station Artistic Director Wael Shawky, the programme combines practical experience with theoretical learning. Participants will take part in practice-based workshops, seminars, group critiques and lectures led by established artists, curators and theorists.
The programme encourages artists to look beyond their existing approaches, refine their technical skills and broaden their conceptual thinking through sustained studio work and critical discussion.
It is also an opportunity to learn alongside artists from different backgrounds and engage in an interdisciplinary environment shaped by diverse perspectives.
The programme will conclude with a final exhibition curated by Wael Shawky, where participants will present work developed during their time at Fire Station.
Who is the Fire Station open call for?
The open call is for emerging visual artists aged 18 to 35 from around the world.
Applicants should have a clear artistic practice and a commitment to exploring and expanding it. They should be willing to take on creative and intellectual challenges, engage in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment and be motivated to produce and present new work at the end of the programme.
For international participants, flights, accommodation and a living allowance are provided throughout the programme. There are no tuition or application fees.
Who will select the artists?
The jury for the 2027 edition brings together leading figures from the international arts scene.
It includes HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums; Wael Shawky; Tom Eccles; Chus Martínez; Emily Jacir; Hans Ulrich Obrist; Vincenzo de Bellis; Eugene Tan; and HE Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi.
When does the programme take place?
AISP 2027 runs from March to November 2027.
Applications close on 5 September 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interviews in October and November 2026, with successful applicants notified in mid-December 2026.
How can you apply?
Applications can be submitted online through the AISP application form, https://qmforms.qm.org.qa/form/AISP-2
For further information contact firestation@qm.org.qa