Opportunities

Applications are now open.

The Residency Program supports creative practitioners with work that requires studio space, and who are looking for time and space to experiment. The five-month program takes place from February to July and July to December 2026 in the artist studios at 421 Arts Campus, MiZa. Designed for the creative community at large, the residency is multidisciplinary in focus and is open to practices in visual arts and curation, design and technology, music, literary arts, culinary arts, performance and theater, and other creative disciplines. The residency program prioritizes free experimentation without the pressures of a final outcome, but rather a focus on rigorous process and studio use. The residency will bring together three successful applicants for each cohort of the program.

Applications are now open.

The 421 Artistic Development Program (ADP) supports UAE-based artists in deepening their practice through experimentation, critical inquiry, and sustained mentorship. Over 10 months, artists are encouraged to take risks, test new directions, and develop a substantial body of work grounded in curiosity, vulnerability, and rigorous exploration. The program nurtures practices that are inquisitive, process-driven, and open to transformation.

Applications are now closed.

The 421 Graduate Internship Program offers early career development support and professional preparation opportunities for emerging creatives and those interested in arts and culture. The program supports young practitioners through hands-on experience and training that paves the way for future career opportunities.

The internship runs for six months, and four applicants will be accepted for this cycle of the program. This is a paid opportunity.

Applications are now closed.

421 invites curators and curatorial collectives to submit full proposals for an exhibition to be developed and presented at 421 during Winter/Spring 2027. This opportunity supports curators in researching, learning from, and working closely with contemporary artistic practices in the UAE and wider Arabic-speaking geographies, including diasporic contexts.

Applications are now closed.

The 421 Student Internship Program offers professional preparation opportunities for students and those interested in arts and culture. The program supports young practitioners through hands-on experience and training that paves the way for future career opportunities. 

The internship runs for two months and three applicants will be accepted for this cycle of the program. This is a paid opportunity. 

Applications are now closed.

The 421 Performance Co//ective, a movement program co-facilitated by Mary Chase and Carlos Páez González, the instructors from our ongoing Performance Co/Lab workshops. 

Throughout the program, selected participants will engage in two times a week practices exploring various performance elements including writing, movement, vocal work, acting, dance and more. The program culminates in a live showcase, providing you the chance to present your work to an audience.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a dedicated community, creating a collaborative production from start to finish. 

Some movement experience is recommended, you must be 18 or older and live in Abu Dhabi. 

Applications are now closed.

Graduate and postgraduate students are invited to apply for the Exhibition Guides Program at 421, an initiative that gives young professionals the unique opportunity to develop their skills and knowledge for a future career in the arts. The program includes specialized training with industry professionals, educators, and curators to be able to conduct engaging and accessible exhibition tours to 421 visitors. 

The program includes training around how to engage with families and children, People of Determination, and other community groups who book guided tours through the 421 gallery spaces. Exhibition guides who complete this program will graduate with deeper knowledge of the region’s art history, connections with emerging artists and curators, and stronger communication skills that are invaluable for a successful future career in the arts. 

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis.