Visual Arts Commission

Intermix Residency is an art residency program that provides a space for experimentation, research, and exchange among artists, curators, art writers, critics, and researchers within a creative environment that encourages dialogue, collaboration, and artistic development. Located in JAX District in Diriyah, the residency supports practices that evolve through interaction with peers, mentors, and the wider cultural scene of Riyadh.

The program consists of three residency cycles each year, hosting a total of forty-five participants from Saudi Arabia and abroad. Through dedicated studios, mentorship, and public programs, Intermix Residency enables participants to develop their practices individually and collectively, while engaging with the themes of innovation, sustainability, and transformation - which are key themes that inform the Intermix Residency programs.

The Visual Arts Commission emphasized that the continued growth of Intermix Residency aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s vision to empower creative practitioners, strengthen Riyadh’s position as a regional cultural hub, and contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030, which places culture and the arts at the heart of sustainable development and expands the creative sector’s contribution to the national economy.

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INITIATIVE PILLARS

Intermix Residency offers an artistic program dedicated to experimentation, research, and exchange including:

Innovation

Transformation

Sustainability

RESIDENCY PROGRAM INCLUDES

Mentorship and Artistic Guidance
Regular sessions with experts to support project development and strengthen artistic practice.

Community Engagement
Public activities and open studios fostering dialogue between participants and the local community.

Public Programs
Workshops, talks, and visits across Riyadh connecting participants with the city’s art scene.

Support and Accommodation
Production grants, living and travel support, and housing near the studios.

Studios
Each resident is provided with an individual studio alongside shared facilities designed to support experimentation, artistic production, and the daily exchange of ideas among participants.
The residency offers an integrated working and living environment that includes:

● A private workspace for each resident.
● Comfortable accommodation near the work sites.
● Shared facilities for meetings and group discussions.
● Production support is determined according to each project’s needs.
● A monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
● Round-trip travel tickets for participants coming from outside Riyadh.
● Visa facilitation for international participants.
● Transportation for cultural activities and group visits

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Outlines participation criteria, commitment requirements, and official application steps.

Eligiblity: Open to emerging and mid-career artists and curators aged 21+, fluent in Arabic or English, from Saudi Arabia or abroad.

Commitment: Selected participants must be fully dedicated and actively engaged in all residency activities.

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted through the official online form; incomplete entries will not be accepted.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

All applications are reviewed by a committee of local and international experts in the visual arts, based on the quality and relevance of the submitted proposals and their alignment with the program’s overall vision and objectives.

Personal Information: Includes personal and official details such as name, age, nationality, contact information, and availability during the residency period in Riyadh.

Creative Experience: Covers biography, motivation, previous exhibitions or residencies.

Supporting Material: Includes required documents such as CV, portfolio, portrait, and communication preference.

APPLY NOW

The Intermix Residency Program, in its third edition, is now accepting applications for its second cycle, inviting visual artists, curators, art writers, critics, and researchers from Saudi Arabia and abroad to apply. The program welcomes emerging and mid-career practitioners aged 21 and above who wish to develop a production- or research-based project within an environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and artistic exchange.

JAX District, Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Each edition consists of three main cycles, each lasting three months and hosting fifteen visual artists and curators from diverse backgrounds.

Applications for participation open on January 13th, 2026 until February 5th, 2026.

FAQs

What is a residency?

Residency programs provide artists with dedicated space and support to explore new practices and approaches.
Intermix Residency offers artists a temporary creative environment away from daily distractions, allowing focused time for research and/or artistic production in fully equipped studios, as well as opportunities to connect with practitioners and creators from diverse disciplines.

Who manages the program?

The program was developed by the Visual Arts Commission to provide opportunities for innovation and creative exchange.
This multidisciplinary edition of the residency is managed and supervised by a team of local and international professionals with expertise in the visual arts.

Where does the residency take place?

The residency is located in JAX District, Diriyah — one of Riyadh’s leading creative hubs. The site includes residency studios and shared workspaces within close proximity to artist studios, cultural spaces, exhibition venues, and the historic landmarks of Diriyah.

Will I have the opportunity to present my work during the residency?

Yes. An Open Studios event takes place at the end of each cycle, where residents are invited to present the works produced during their stay or share the outcomes of their artistic research.

Does the residency cover local transportation?

Yes. The organizers cover transportation costs related to the residency’s official activities within Riyadh, in addition to one group trip outside the city.
Personal transportation expenses, however, are the responsibility of each resident.

Are there any participation fees?

Applying to Intermix Residency is free of charge, and the residency is fully funded.
The residency covers the following expenses:
● A dedicated workspace for each resident.
● Accommodation within walking distance of the studios.
● Access to shared, fully equipped facilities.
● Round-trip economy-class flight to and from Riyadh.
● Visa facilitation for selected international participants.
● A monthly stipend to cover personal and living expenses throughout the residency.
● A production grant determined based on each project’s specific needs and assessment by the residency team.
● Local transportation for scheduled group activities in Riyadh.
● Travel and accommodation for the cultural excursion outside Riyadh.

Are there activities outside the studio site?

Yes. The residency includes a series of parallel activities such as exhibition and studio visits, meetings with experts and guest speakers, and training and discussion sessions.
Residents are encouraged to engage with Riyadh’s dynamic art and cultural scene.
The program also organizes guided tours within the city’s creative landmarks and a cultural trip outside Riyadh to explore the Kingdom’s diverse heritage.

Is health insurance included?

No. Participants are required to arrange their own health insurance prior to the start of the residency to ensure full coverage during their stay, as the program does not provide insurance.

Can the residency be extended after completion?

No. The residency ends at the conclusion of the assigned cycle. The program is not responsible for visa extensions or any financial or legal arrangements after the residency ends. Studios will also be closed immediately following each cycle.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Applicants must be at least 21 years old by the first day of the residency.

Who can apply?

Intermix Residency is open to Saudi and resident artists and curators, as well as international participants with a proven artistic practice and professional record.

What are the accepted application languages?

Applications can be submitted in either Arabic or English, based on the applicant’s preference.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Only applications submitted before the announced deadline will be reviewed. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Can collectives or groups apply?

No. Applications are open to individuals only; group or collaborative projects will not be accepted in this cycle.

Will feedback be provided for unsuccessful applications?

Due to the high volume of expected applications, the organizers are unable to provide individual feedback to applicants who are not selected.

Is full in-person participation required?

Yes. Full commitment and attendance are required for all stages and scheduled activities of the residency, unless stated otherwise in the specific cycle’s terms.

Where can I apply?

You can find the application form for Cycle 1 on this link.