Neela Asmaan has unveiled the roster for its Spring-2025 artist residency program. Established in 2023 by acclaimed director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who earned both an Academy Award and multiple Emmy Awards, Neela Asmaan has successfully concluded seven rounds of residencies, supporting up-and-coming as well as seasoned artists hailing from all over Pakistan and further afield.
Nestled in the stunning Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Neela Asmaan residency provides artists with ample time, space, and inspiration to enhance their craft, delve into fresh concepts, and interact with nearby communities. The current season marks the launch of an innovative venture—a global residency program designed to unite both regional and overseas artists for collaboration and intellectual sharing. From May through November, up to 15 artists, featuring participants from Europe and the Middle East, will take part in this enriching experience aimed at fostering creativity across different cultures and fields. After a rigorous evaluation period, Neela Asmaan warmly welcomes two gifted individuals to its intensive two-week Spring 2025 residency session.
Almitra Mavalvala:
As an internationally renowned performer, author, and musician, Almitra delves into subjects like dislocation and portrayal. While associated with Neela Asmaan, she intends to create ‘Aaliyah,’ a theatrical production designed to highlight the challenges faced by those with epilepsy. Leveraging Pakistan’s vibrant musical traditions, Almitra aims to blend elements of East Asian music into the soundtrack as she finalizes both the libretto and compositions.
Fatima Rahu:
A multifaceted textile artist, Fatima merges age-old craftsmanship with eco-friendly techniques. At Neela Asmaan, her emphasis will be on narrative expression via weaving, employing locally sourced and reclaimed materials to delve into topics such as location, recollection, and texture. The initiative will feature installations tailored specifically for the Shigar setting, developed collaboratively with residents. Selected among numerous candidates, these artists have been invited to engage in an intensive two-week residency starting on May 18, 2025. They each bring expertise across various fields like visual arts, sound creation, story composition, and projects centered on societal interaction regarding personal identity and environmental stewardship.
‘We’re honoured to welcome two artists from different creative paths-performance, writing, and textile design-into the Neela Asmaan artist residency this year. We look forward to seeing how the quiet, reflective atmosphere of Shigar encourages bold expression, exchange, and inspiration for both themselves and the wider artistic community.’ said Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy. Neela Asmaan provides each artist with studio space, creative freedom, and opportunities for collaboration and cultural exchange. A key aspect of the residency is community engagement: artists will lead workshops in local schools and community centers, fostering artistic dialogue at the grassroots level.
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