YARAT CONTEMPORARY ART SPACE

YARAT Contemporary Art Space is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting contemporary arts scene in Azerbaijan and creating a platform for Azerbaijani art, both nationally and internationally.

Based in Baku, YARAT (create in Azerbaijani) was founded by Aida Mahmudova in 2011. The organization realises its mission through a vibrant program of cutting edge exhibitions and stimulating educational and other arts-related events. YARAT is comprised of the YARAT Contemporary Art Centre, Artim Project Space and YARAT studios.

YARAT Contemporary Art Centre opened in March 2015 and is the organisation’s first permanent space. It is housed in a converted Soviet-era naval building overlooking the Caspian Sea. The Centre showcases temporary exhibitions by leading international artists, as well as the growing YARAT Collection composed of contemporary art from the Caucasus and Central Asian region And intends to become a regional hub for contemporary art and creative exchange.

YARAT Contemporary Art Space invites artists to apply for the residency programme of end every year (september) (please check our news). The programme is divided into three periods (January–April, April-July, September-December) and grants selected artists an opportunity to live and work in Baku for up to three months. Each period hosts two international and two local residents.

YARAT Residency Programme is open for artists who are engaged in open, research-based practice across disciplines and show an interest in discovering the Caucasus region. The programme engages residents in discussions with fellow artists and international arts professionals, as well as travel around Azerbaijan. Artworks resulting from the residence are exhibited at the ARTIM Project Space, Baku. YARAT Residency programme is predominantly conducted in English.

YARAT Studios is a new dedicated artist studios in Baku, Azerbaijan, comprising of 11 studios and a residential space which is to be used by Azerbaijani and visiting international artists.

Launched in 2014, YARAT Studios offers a platform for emerging and established artists and a place for creative collaboration between local and foreign artists.