Two artists to undertake three-month residencies in Doha and Lausanne, creating new works inspired by sports culture and the Olympic Games
Doha, Qatar: The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum (QOSM) and the Olympic Museum, located in Lausanne, Switzerland are pleased to launch the second edition of the Olympic Heritage | Artists in Residence programme. This initiative provides artists with the opportunity to take part in three-month residencies at either institution to develop innovative, boundary-pushing artworks that deepen public engagement with Olympic culture and heritage. Two artists will be selected by an international jury based on their creativity, technical skill, and their ability to engage with Olympic and sporting themes by using innovative, digital media as a key part of their practice.
The residencies are scheduled to take place from September 1 to December 1, 2026. Each museum will provide the selected artists with resources and access to their permanent collections, offering a unique research environment to explore the historical and cultural significance of the Olympic Games and the Olympic movement. Studio space will be provided at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum and at La Becque Artist Residence in La Tour-de-Peilz, Switzerland.
Abdulla Al Mulla, the Director of the 3-2-1 QOSM, said: “The Olympic Heritage | Artist in Residence programme reflects our commitment to reimagining how Olympic history and sports culture can be experienced through contemporary artistic practice. The programme creates a meaningful dialogue between collections, contexts, and creative perspectives. We are proud to continue this collaboration with the Olympic Museum and to support artists in producing new work that speaks to the global and enduring values of the Olympic Games.”
The call is open to artists aged at least 18 and under 35 on December 31, 2026, who work with any form of digital media, including AI, data-driven art, and augmented and virtual reality, any of which may also be combined with physical media. Access to the museum collections will be facilitated by the museums, supporting artists throughout their research and production phases.
“With the Olympic Heritage | Artists‑in‑Residence Programme, the Olympic Museum continues to draw inspiration from 3,000 years of history while opening new paths for contemporary creation,” added Olympic Museum deputy director and Chair of the Jury, Yasmin Meichtry. “Reviving this successful collaboration — and extending the residencies from two to three months — reflects the growing strength of our partnership with QOSM. We warmly encourage young digital artists from around the world to apply and contribute their own legacy to the promotion of the Olympic values.”
Applicants can apply using the following link: https://preview-321qosm.qm.org.qa/en/calendar/olympic-digital-artist-in-residence-open-call/
The deadline for submission is April 30, 2026.
Selected international artists will receive:
Participation in an international exhibition as a part of the Cultural Olympiad, including but not limited to the LA28 Cultural Olympiad.
QR 30,000 or €8,000 for the purchase of the resulting artwork for the museums’ permanent collections.
Round-trip flight tickets and accommodation for the three-month residency.
Curatorial and professional mentorship throughout the residency from the international jury.
This year Qatar Museums celebrates Evolution Nation, a campaign honouring Qatar’s cultural journey over the past 50 years, since the founding of the National Museum of Qatar. Curated by Qatar Creates, the national movement positions Qatar as a global hub for art, culture, and creativity. Evolution Nation highlights both the nation’s cultural milestones and its aspirations for the future.
