Art Saraye Residency

As Picasso once remarked, ‘Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.’ In the spirit of this profound sentiment, on a hazy November afternoon, I found myself transported into a realm where creativity intertwined with nature and history. As I stepped through the huge doors of the idyllic colonial house (Articulate Studios) nestled near the bustling streets bordering the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, I was welcomed by a breeze that carried the scent of crackling autumn and a serene nostalgia, creating the perfect harmonious backdrop for the artist residency program that unfolded within.

My journey into this artistic haven was a revelation, a testament to the transformative power of the residency program that unfolded within those walls. Artists from diverse corners of Pakistan had gathered, their works converging into a medley of ideas and expressions. The program, meticulously designed, functions as a center for professional mentoring, where the seeds of creative investigation were sown, and the fruits of critique and cultural awareness flourished.

The colonial house, with its high ceilings and grandeur, provided not just a working environment but a canvas for artistic encounters and adventures. These unique enclaves offered a rare fusion of solitude and communal exchange, providing creators the sacred time and space to commune with their inner muses. The interlinked studio spaces buzzed with the hum of creativity as painters splashed color onto canvases, sculptors molded forms, and miniaturists created art inspired by the rich heritage that surrounded them. It was a symphony of artistic voices, each contributing to a larger narrative that transcended geographical boundaries. As I moved out of these studio spaces, at the other end I was met with a beautiful lawn spread on a large area that served as an escape for all the residents and the team to sit down with each other and have imaginative conversations and open up their hearts and minds to one another.
Art Saraye stands as a pivotal art residency initiative orchestrated and overseen by Art Otaq, with collaborative partnerships from Articulate Studios and Numaish Gah for the current year. Art Otaq is an artist run non-profit organization founded in Lahore in 2021 by Irfan Gul Dahri and Qudsia Shahnawaz, who also organize and overlook the Art Saraye residency program. In a nation grappling with economic and political upheavals, Art Saraye acts as a prototype institution—a beacon of hope and creativity. Their mission extends beyond the promotion of artistic endeavors; it serves as a countermeasure to extremism and the pervasive undercurrent of anti-social sentiments. By championing impeccably designed creative activities, they aim to cultivate a problem-solving mindset that can contribute to the revival of collective social, economic, and cultural growth. Their focus is not only on countering challenges but also on fostering an appreciation for diversity and peaceful coexistence.

At its core, Art Saraye emerges as a unique platform for emerging Pakistani artists, providing them with dedicated time and space to cultivate their ideas. This program facilitates interaction and learning from industry experts, encourages engagement with the local community, and establishes valuable networks with fellow professionals. Functioning as a hub for professional mentoring, the residency program offers opportunities for creative exploration, constructive critique, networking, cultural awareness, and meaningful community engagement, contributing to the broader tapestry of artistic and societal development.

This year there were six artists who were selected to be the residents at the Art Saraye residency by a panel of jurors. Amongst them are Azhar Sheraz, Bilal Jabbar, Nabiha Gillani, Nazar ul Islam, Nosheen Sadiq and Zafar Ali.
Yet, the resonance of this residency program extended beyond the studio walls. The second objective, equally profound, focused on regeneration and social change through creative engagement with the community. Alongside providing studio spaces and mentorship, the Art Sarye residency also included writing workshops and a school outreach program.

The writing workshop focused on first letting the artists peek inside and get to know themselves and converse with their innermost thoughts and desires in order to bring on paper their creative processes. While another part of the workshop allowed them to learn about the documentation and promotion of their art at the culmination of residency.
While artist studios and exhibition visits were also an integral part of the residency program, the School Outreach initiative represents one facet of Art Otaq’s multifaceted programs seamlessly integrated into the Art Saraye residency. Tailored to benefit the community, this particular endeavor targets underprivileged students within the proximity of the residency, offering them an immersive experience in the realm of art through engaging and entertaining activities. The comprehensive program encompasses various components such as art workshops, storytelling sessions, the distribution of creatively curated bags containing books and art supplies, and direct interaction with accomplished artists. Notably, the resultant artworks crafted by these young participants are showcased alongside those of professional artists in the residency exhibition. The residents carefully designed and executed art activities for these children and all the residents collectively commented on how observing the palpable enthusiasm and joy etched across the faces of these young participants, they were further encouraged to introduce them to the transformative power of art.

Sitting down over a cup of tea and talking with the resident artists, I came to know how for each one of them it was a challenging yet exciting experience. They spoke of their time at Art Saraye as an experience of their lifetime. One they would remember for the rest of their lives and one that they will be taking back home with themselves bags filled with memoirs of the adventures they had, friendships that were fostered, laughter that echoed the walls of the studios and conversations that lightened up their soul. The program had become a bridge for them, connecting the artists with the heartbeat of Lahore, fostering not just cultural awareness but a genuine sense of community.

Artist residencies, akin to sanctuaries for creative souls, are more than mere spaces; they are crucibles of inspiration, innovation, and unbridled artistic exploration. Within their hallowed confines, artists transcend the constraints of daily life, immersing themselves in an alchemical dance of ideas and mediums. They act as almighty catalysts, breaking down the barriers between artist and audience, tradition and experimentation, enabling the genesis of masterpieces that resonate beyond the confines of the studio.

Amid the hustle and bustle of the city, the colonial house of the Art Saraye residency stood as a sanctuary for artistic exploration and community building. It was more than an abode for creativity; it was a catalyst for change. As I left, I carried with me not just the enthusiasm of the resident artists but the palpable sense that, within those walls, art had become a powerful tool for transforming not just canvases but lives and communities.

Art Saraye residency 2023 took place from November 01, 2023, to November 30, 2023.