More Information

Applications are open to:

• Artists and designers aged 18 years or older.
• Individuals currently based in the State of Qatar.
• Emerging and mid-career practitioners.
• Applicants working in any creative discipline, including but not limited to fine art, illustration, design, printmaking, textiles, drawing, painting, and mixed media.

Applicants must be available to participate in all applicable stages of the residency and key programme dates.

At the application stage, the assessment focuses primarily on artistic skill and visual practice rather than completed design concepts.

Particular consideration will be given to:

• Strong hand-drawing and/or painting skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of colour, composition, and visual observation.
• A portfolio showing technical quality and creative potential. Experience with pattern, botanical, decorative, or nature-inspired subjects is welcome but not essential.

 Applicants should note that progression from the Discover stage to the Develop and Advance stages is subject to a second assessment based on the Project Proposal submitted during the residency.

• Mentorship from Liberty London's senior design team.
• Cultural institutions, and international creative networks.
• Immersive research experiences in Qatar and the UK.
• Professional documentation and visibility through programme communications.
• A QAR 2,000 materials stipend for all participants in the Qatar Discover stage.
• Fully funded travel, accommodation, local transport, and residency programming for artists selected for the Advance stage in London. All travel rates, bookings, and logistical arrangements are selected at the organiser's discretion.
• The opportunity for up to two artworks to be selected for further development towards inclusion in Liberty London's 2028 Interior Fabric Collection, with commercial remuneration for designs selected for production.

Applicants must complete the online application form and provide:

Artist Statement

• A short statement outlining your artistic background, creative practice, and relevant experience (maximum 300 words).
• A short statement outlining your interest in participating in the programme (maximum 150 words).

Portfolio Submission

A website link to your portfolio containing:

• 5-10 examples of your work
• Clear images of each work (include short captions including title, year, and medium)

Where possible, applicants are encouraged to include work related to:

• Nature and botanical subjects
• Pattern or decorative arts
• Regional or Qatar-related themes

Contact Information

• Contact Details
• Confirmation of Availability for Residency Dates
• Social Media Handles (optional, but encouraged)

Selected participants are expected to:

• Attend all residency activities and meet programme deadlines.
• Actively participate in research, workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
• Develop and submit a completed hand-drawn or hand-painted artwork informed by residency experience, and creative practice.
• Participate in programme documentation, evaluation, and promotional activities.

Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the British Council, Liberty London, Liberty Home Msheireb, a member of the design community in Qatar, and a representative from the private sector. Full profiles of the jury panel will be published on the website following the application deadline.

Assessment will focus on artistic skill, technical quality, and portfolio strength. 

Up to ten artists will be selected for the Qatar research and induction stage.

During the Qatar residency, participants will receive a creative project brief from Liberty's Head of Design, Interiors, and will be required to submit a Project Proposal comprising:

• A 200-word concept statement describing the proposed artwork and creative concept.
• Supporting materials developed during the residency, such as research findings, sketches, visual references, sample designs, or other relevant materials.

Following submission of the Project Proposals, an assessment panel comprising representatives of the programme partners, as applicable, will review all proposals against the published criteria and select five artists to progress to the Develop and Advance stages of the programme.

The residency unfolds across three interconnected stages, guiding participants from research and discovery to creative development and international professional exchange.

• Discover | Qatar
• Develop | Qatar
• Advance | United Kingdom

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'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's design team, studio-based development, and engagement with UK cultural and academic institutions.

Following the programme, Liberty London will select up to two artworks for further development towards inclusion in its 2028 Interior Fabric Collection.

Detailed information regarding ownership, licensing, usage rights, and artist compensation for commercially produced designs will be shared with shortlisted and selected participants prior to entering subsequent stages of the programme.