Laboratory of Arts Programme : A Special Edition to Support Artistic Production in Syria


Laboratory of Arts is a programme that aims to support artists and independent cultural entities in their artistic practice. The programme also seeks to promote various types of artistic and creative expression and to support artists’ ability to continue production, in hopes of fostering a dynamic dialogue and appreciation for creativity and its values, and supporting spaces for innovation and freedom of artistic and literary expression.

This special edition of Laboratory of Arts aims to support the artistic and literary production of Syrian and Syrian-Palestinian artists residing in or returning to Syria. The programme also provides support for projects implemented in partnership with artists residing outside Syria, provided that the works are implemented within the country, that the main applicant is residing in Syria, and that these projects are made available to the cultural and arts audience in Syrian cities and towns, across all creative fields in five categories: cinema and animation, visual arts, creative writing, performing arts, and music.

To view frequently asked questions and fill out the application form, please click here.

Syria is undergoing a historic moment; for the first time in decades, its art producers have a lot to share in a context open to multiple possibilities and emerging questions, new production and exhibition conditions, and a different and highly complex relationship with communities, public space, and freedoms. Within this context, there is a need to identify some of the concerns of art producers and to pay attention to their efforts.

The programme offers 15 production grants, each valued at €5300 for projects belonging to the visual arts, creative writing, and music categories, and €8800 for projects belonging to cinema and animation and performing arts categories.

The programme is open to artists of all ages, stemming from Ettijahat’s commitment to supporting artists who are still in the initial phases of their careers. The programme also encourages artistic collaborations and the development of partnerships, particularly between artists who were prevented from meeting and working together due to war and the impossibility of travel. It also encourages efforts to make these works available to arts and culture audiences in cities and towns outside the capital, Damascus.

 Eligibility Criteria and How To Apply

  • All Syrian artists, including Palestinian-Syrian artists based in Syria or returning to Syria are eligible to apply to the programme;
  • Artists of all age groups are eligible to apply to the programme;
  • The programme accepts projects built in partnership with artists residing outside Syria, provided that the works are implemented inside the country and the application is submitted by an artist residing inside Syria;
  • Only writers residing in Syria are eligible to apply for the creative writing category;
  • Initiatives, institutions and artistic collectives are eligible to apply to the programme;
  • The programme supports artistic projects that will be produced and implemented in Syria and made available to arts and culture audiences in Syria;
  • Support provided by the Laboratory of Arts programme covers all costs related to the artistic production phase. This may include travel and accommodation for those outside Syria, provided that these costs do not exceed 20% of the budget requested from Ettijahat. However, coverage for full travel and accommodation costs associated with touring artworks within Syria may be requested;
  • The programme does not support training sessions or workshops that do not produce artwork(s) as a result;
  • Projects with already completed artwork(s) produced will not be considered;
  • The programme only supports artworks that will be completed and displayed before the end of 2026;
  • Artists and entities currently receiving support from other Ettijahat programmes are not eligible to apply; however, those who closed their grants before the end of 2023 are eligible to apply.
  • Ettijahat staff, members of its general assembly, immediate relatives of the team, or artistic projects involving personal collaborations with Ettijahat’s team are not eligible to apply.
  • Applications will be evaluated by independent committees consisting of specialists belonging to the respective artistic categories. Committee members will remain anonymous until the results are announced.
  • All applications will be evaluated equally. Members of the jury are exempted from evaluating the applications of any immediate family members and those with whom they have direct artistic collaborations. These applications will be evaluated by other members of the jury.

 Important Dates

Ettijahat is collaborating with Mamdouh Adwan Publishing House in the creative writing category.

For inquiries, please write to applications@ettijahat.org

To view frequently asked questions and fill out the application form, please click here.

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