A British Council and Liberty Design Exchange
About the Residency
The British Council, in partnership with Liberty, invites artists and designers to apply for Living in Pattern: Fabrics Inspired by Qatari Heritage, a Qatar-UK design residency exploring contemporary design, cultural heritage, and creative exchange.
The residency is delivered by the British Council in partnership with Liberty London, Liberty Home Msheireb, and associated partners. The programme will bring together artists and designers for a research-led residency inspired by Qatar's natural and cultural heritage, including its native flora, marine environment, and living traditions.
The residency is delivered in three stages:
• Discover | Qatar
• Develop | Qatar
• Advance | United Kingdom
At the conclusion of the programme, Liberty London will select up to two artists whose work is considered suitable for further development towards inclusion in the 2028 Liberty Interior Fabric Collection.
Who can apply?
Artists and designers aged 18 or over who are currently based in Qatar and working in any creative discipline. Full eligibility requirements can be found on the More Information page.
Key Dates
8 September 2026 at 12:00 PM Doha time: Deadline for applications (Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.)
16 September 2026: Selection Results
21-25 September 2026: Discover | Research & Induction Week (Doha)
25 September 2026: Project Proposal Submission
30 September 2026: Selection of Develop & Advance Cohort
1-21 October 2026: Develop | Independent Creative Development Period (Remote)
22 October 2026: Artwork Submission Deadline
16-20 November 2026: Advance | Residency & Mentorship Programme (London)
Residency Themes and Programme Structure
The residency unfolds across three interconnected stages, guiding participants from research and discovery to creative development and international professional exchange.
Discover | Qatar
Up to ten artists will participate in a five-day programme of site visits, research activities, workshops, and cultural encounters exploring Qatar's cultural heritage, native flora, and marine environments as sources of inspiration.
Participants will receive a creative project brief from Liberty London's Head of Design, Interiors. At the conclusion of this stage, participants will submit a Project Proposal consisting of a 200-word concept statement and supporting creative materials developed during the residency.
Develop | Qatar
Following assessment of the Project Proposals, up to five artists will be selected to continue to the next stage of the programme. During a three-week creative development period, selected participants will refine and realise their proposed concepts, culminating in the submission of a completed hand-drawn or hand-painted artwork informed by their research, residency experience, and creative practice.
Advance | United Kingdom
The five selected artists will participate in a five-day residency in London, including mentorship from Liberty London's design team, studio-based development, and engagement with UK cultural and academic institutions.