On the occasion of our 30th anniversary, Darat al Funun-The Khalid Shoman Foundation is pleased to announce the 2019 Darat al Funun Summer Academy, launched with a regional scope, and shaped in collaboration with the newly established Darat al Funun Advisory Board.

The 2019 academy takes its inspiration from the 1999-2003 Darat al Funun Summer Academy which was established on the occasion of our 10th anniversary to provide a key opportunity for emerging artists to study and work under the supervision of the late Berlin-based Syrian artist Marwan. Over the course of four years, over 60 artists from Jordan, Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Iraq attended the academy.

The 2019 Summer Academy is now envisaged to be an intensive four week program in Amman starting 15 June 2019 combining practice and theory for artists of all experience levels to enhance their skills, through a series of intensive courses provided by artists, curators, and academics. Grounded in the Arab world, artists will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge with their peers, and to hear and learn from prominent guest speakers.

This first year, the practice-based focus of the 2019 Summer Academy will mainly be on developing and structuring a photographic project from conception to creation to presentation. At the same time, participants will be able to hone their theoretical skills through courses on art criticism and art writing -with a special focus on Arab writers and the Arabic language, as well as perspectives on curatorial and art historical practice in the region.

An open call for participants will go out later this year. 

The Advisory Board plays an important role in shaping the 2019 Darat al Funun Summer Academy. The board is comprised of leaders in the arts in the Arab world, offering wise council, innovative advice, and dynamic perspectives.