Sharjah Art Foundation is accepting applications for the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection Research Fellowship, a two-year programme supporting sustained research into the Foundation’s collection and archives.
The first cycle will focus on Hassan Sharif’s studio and archive, a dedicated space within the larger Foundation Collection that houses artworks, objects and documents pertaining to Sharif’s practice, artistic networks, and related social and cultural contexts.
In addition to Sharif’s materials, fellows can draw on other Foundation resources, including the rest of the Collection, library holdings and publications. They will work closely with both the Collection and the Learning and Research teams as they develop a project related to their research interests and contribute to the documentation, interpretation and enhancement of knowledge around the Collection.
Sharif’s studio and archive bring together a broad range of his works, including installations in different mediums and a series of object works. Within this collection are dozens of experimental pieces, along with found objects and art materials that Sharif collected and used throughout his practice. All the items together offer insights into Sharif’s working methods, material explorations and creative processes.
Also accessible are drawings, paintings and works on paper, many of which were exhibited in the Foundation’s retrospective Hassan Sharif: I Am The Single Work Artist (2017–2018). Among these works are documentation of performances and interventions in Sharjah’s markets, experimental performance series developed during Sharif’s time in London, drawings and paintings from his desert series, and paintings depicting The Flying House, a space he once used as a studio, exhibition venue and gathering place for artists.
Part of Sharif’s personal library, which comprises books, exhibition booklets and journals as well as a selection of writings, manifestos, comics and sketches, is also available for consultation.
The fellowship is open to researchers, curators, artists, writers, archivists, conservators and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in research around modern and contemporary art and the history of the Gulf and wider region.
Summary of qualifications:
Demonstrated interest and experience in research, writing, curatorial practice, archival work and/or a related field
Good understanding of Gulf and regional art history as well as the contemporary art scene
Strong reading proficiency in Arabic and writing proficiency in Arabic and/or English
Ability to travel to the UAE for the required fellowship periods (if not based in the UAE)
During the 24 months of the programme, fellows may undertake research both off-site and in the UAE. Through meetings between individual fellows and the Foundation, a schedule will be developed around the research focus and programme requirements, and the places and times for the different phases of work will be determined.
The proposed timeline for the fellowship will outline key dates and milestones, including the start of the fellowship, UAE-based research periods, progress reviews and outcomes.
Scheduled check-ins with both the Collections and Learning and Research teams are mandatory. During these sessions, fellows will review progress, discuss research developments and coordinate relevant activities. Although the timeline may allow some flexibility to accommodate different research approaches and circumstances, fellows must ensure that key milestones are met.
A core requirement of the fellowship is to produce a research publication or project. The format and scope of this work will be determined in consultation with the Foundation, taking into account the nature of the research. To be produced in either Arabic or English, the publication or project may take the form of a research paper, booklet, artist’s book, audiovisual presentation or another agreed medium.
In addition to the publication or project, fellows may develop public learning activities in collaboration with the Learning and Research Department and the Foundation library. Depending on the fellow’s research topic and areas of expertise, these could include public talks, workshops or research presentations that support knowledge-sharing and public engagement.
The selected fellows will receive the following:
Access to the Foundation’s collection, archives and library
Research guidance from relevant Foundation teams
Access to the Foundation’s institutional resources and networks
Support (e.g. materials, printing, equipment) for the development of the required publication or project
Opportunities to create learning and public engagement activities in collaboration with the Foundation
Workspace
A total stipend of 20,000 AED to support research and production
Travel support for agreed UAE-based periods (for fellows based outside the UAE)
Applicants should submit the following:
For the 2027–2029 fellowship, applications will be assessed based on the applicant’s research experience and methodology, knowledge of Gulf and regional art history, and the relevance of their proposed research to the Collection. The assessment will also consider the applicant’s ability to contribute to and share knowledge of the Collection.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview.
Application deadline: All materials must be received by 11:59 pm (GMT +4) on 30 November 2026.
Fellowship period: March 2027–March 2029
Required UAE-based periods:
Applicants not based in the UAE should ensure they are available to travel to the UAE during the phases for collection and archive research, meetings and other key fellowship activities.
Subject to approval by the Foundation, additional visits to the UAE for those not residing in the country may be arranged based on the fellow’s research needs. Such visits will be discussed and agreed upon with the fellow in advance and become part of the official timeline.
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