The Muse multi studios invites you to apply for the Art Writing Program, an intensive workshop series designed to develop writers and researchers interested in art criticism and the documentation of creative experiences in Sudan. This workshop stems from the belief that art is not merely an aesthetic practice, but rather a powerful tool for producing knowledge, preserving memory, and interpreting social and political transformations. Consequently, the program seeks to equip participants with the critical and research tools needed to move beyond personal impressions toward systematic analysis and rigorous writing.
Over the course of five days, participants will embark on an intellectual journey that integrates the philosophy of reception and aesthetics, the history of Sudanese art, critical writing, and artwork analysis. This will be conducted through a participatory methodology grounded in dialogue, collective research, and the progressive development of texts.
This workshop is designed for writers, researchers, students, artists, cultural professionals, and anyone with a serious interest in writing about art and a desire to refine their critical and research skills.
Selected participants must commit to attending all sessions, actively engaging in discussions and practical exercises, and developing a critical text or article during the workshop. A selection of outstanding articles will have the opportunity to be published across The Muse platforms, contributing to the ongoing effort of building a dynamic, living archive of Sudanese art.
Please fill out this application form carefully; your responses will help us understand your interests, experiences, and goals for joining the program.
Application Deadline: June 14, 2026
Days 1, 2, and 3: The Philosophy of Reception and Aesthetics from a Local Perspective
Presented by: Dr. Mohammed Abdelrahman Hassan
The first segment explores the relationship between the viewer and the artwork, focusing on how to transition from admiration-based reception to critical reading and cultural analysis. Participants will discuss concepts of beauty from a local viewpoint and explore ways to interpret Sudanese art outside of imported critical frameworks. They will also learn about critical writing tools and how to analyze artworks as vessels of knowledge, memory, and history.
Days 4 and 5: The Geography of Creativity in the Sudanese Context
Presented by: Shama Elrasheed
This module focuses on the history of art in Sudan, the evolution of its various schools and trends, and the connection between artistic practice and socio-political transformations. Participants will also explore Sudanese folk arts and cultural symbols, learning how to utilize them in contemporary critical writing. Additionally, practical sessions will involve analyzing selected artworks and drafting articles for collective discussion and peer review.
The workshop relies on participatory learning and open dialogue. Participants are expected to contribute to discussions by sharing their questions, experiences, and research interests. Throughout the five days, each participant will work on developing a critical text or article about an artwork or topic of their choice. This draft will undergo progressive review and refinement until it becomes a polished, publishable piece.
By the conclusion of the program, participants will have acquired the foundational tools for researching and writing about art, successfully bridging critical practice with the Sudanese cultural and historical context.
We look forward to discovering new voices that will enrich art writing and document the Sudanese cultural scene.
This series is presented as part of the Sudan Archive of Fine Arts project by The Muse multi studios, with funding from AFAC.
This workshop will be held in Arabic only. Please use the form or the link below to apply.
