Adults

Ektashif Uzbekistan

Open call

Submission deadline: 30 June 2025

Ektashif is an annual educational art trip for Qatari artists organised by the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) that aims to support artists and provide them with new skills in traditional and Islamic arts.

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Seven Qatari artists will be selected based on their artwork and an interview to join the Museum of Islamic Art team on a 12-day trip in mid-October 2025 to Uzbekistan.

The artists will discover the wonder and beauty of Islamic civilisation in Uzbekistan. The journey begins in Tashkent, where the artists will explore the Islamic heritage and architecture, and will also visit museums and art galleries.

The second city will be Samarkand, where artists will explore many important sites, such as Registan Square, including Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Tilya-Kori and Sher-Dor Madrasahs, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, Afrasiyab Museum and Ancient Settlement, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Amir Temur Mausoleum, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and Siyob Bazaar.

The journey will end in Bukhara, with visits to lakeside monuments including Kukeldash Madrasah, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, as well as Kalyan Minaret and Mosque, Mir-i-Arab Madrasah, Lyabi-Hauz Complex, Magok-i-Attari Mosque, Toki Sarrafon Caravanserai, Toki Telpak Furushon Caravanserai, Toki Zargaron Caravanserai, Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah, Kalon Tower, the Ark Fortress, and Bolo-Hauz Mosque.

The selected artists will also participate in and engage with workshops to master traditional arts, such as ceramic design and drawing workshops.

Eligibility

In order to be considered, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Qatari
  • Over 18 years old
  • A practicing artist or designer
  • Have some experience of exhibiting your work.

How to apply

The closing date is Monday, 30 June 2025

Please answer these two questions

Expectations

  • After the educational trip, you will be required to produce 5 artworks for an exhibition which will take place in the Museum of Islamic Art in April 2026.
  • You will also be asked to take part in a public panel discussion about the trip and your gained experiences, (date to be confirmed).

Terms and Conditions

  • Each person will receive one return flight to Uzbekistan (Economy), no escorts are allowed with the artist who will participate in this trip.
  • Single room for the duration of the trip in a 5-star or 4-star hotel.
  • Entrance fees to all sites and workshops are included.
  • All transportation whilst in Uzbekistan is included.
  • You will need to sign a multimedia release form to allow us to use images from the trip on social media, in the press and across QM websites.