Neela Asmaan Unveils Spring 2025 Artists-in-Residence: An International Showcase (English Edition)

Pakistan, May 23 -- Neela Asmaan proudly announces the spring 2025 group for its artist residency program.

Neela Asmaan was launched in 2023 by acclaimed director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who has won both an Academy Award and multiple Emmy Awards. Since then, the organization has successfully concluded seven residency programs aimed at fostering talent among up-and-coming as well as seasoned creators hailing from various parts of Pakistan and further afield.

Nestled in the stunning Shigar Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Neela Asmaan residency provides artists with the opportunity to enhance their craft, delve into fresh concepts, and interact with nearby communities. For this season, they have launched an innovative project: an international residency program aimed at fostering collaboration and idea-sharing among both local and global talents. Between May and November, up to 15 artists—comprising individuals from Europe and the Middle East alongside locals—are set to participate in the program, thereby fortifying artistic ties across different cultures and fields. After undergoing a rigorous selection procedure, Neela Asmaan warmly welcomes two accomplished artists for a comprehensive two-week residence during the spring session of 2025.

An internationally recognized performer, author, and composer, 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 living with epilepsy. Leveraging Pakistan’s extensive musical tradition, Almitra aims to blend elements of East Asian music into both the orchestration and the finishing touches of the script and compositions.

Fatima Rahu—a versatile textiles designer—merges conventional craftsmanship with eco-friendly methods. At Neela Asmaan, her emphasis will be on narrative expression via weaving techniques, employing regional and reclaimed resources to delve into topics such as location, recollection, and texture. The initiative will feature installations tailored specifically for their setting within the Shigar valley environment, developed collaboratively with residents from the area.

Selected from a group of competing candidates, these two artists have been invited to join an intensive two-week residency starting on May 18. They explore various fields such as visual arts, music composition, screenplay writing, along with projects focused on social issues related to identity and environmental sustainability.

"We feel privileged to invite two artists from distinct creative backgrounds—performance art, literature, and textile design—to participate in the Neela Asmaan artist residency this year. We anticipate that the serene and contemplative environment of Shigar will foster courageous creativity, collaboration, and inspiration not only for them but also for the broader artistic community," stated 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.