YARAT School of Contemporary Art Accepting Applications for its Second Year

In a significant stride towards nurturing artistic talent in Azerbaijan, the YARAT School of Contemporary Art has opened its doors to aspiring artists and enthusiasts once again this October 1. The school, founded in 2022, has garnered attention for its unique approach to fostering the growth of contemporary art in the region.

Headed by the distinguished Sabina Shikhlinskaya, the YARAT School's curriculum spans two semesters, offering a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for thriving in the contemporary art landscape.

The inaugural year of the program, which ran from March 16 to May 4, 2023, received a wave of enthusiastic applicants eager to embark on a journey of artistic exploration and development. Among the program's notable alumni is Najaf Ozturk, who attests to the transformative power of the YARAT School.

Before joining the school, Najaf confessed to having only a cursory engagement with contemporary art. However, the immersive experience at the YARAT School proved to be a turning point in his artistic journey. Classes, held thrice a week, featured expert instructors specializing in various facets of contemporary art, including artists, art managers, and curators, both local and international. These luminaries generously shared their experiences and deep insights into art history.

Saturdays were reserved for field trips to exhibitions, accompanied by Sabina Shikhlinskaya herself, who provided invaluable critiques and engaged students in thoughtful discussions about the showcased artworks.

Najaf Ozturk was effusive in praising the school's collaborative environment, which brought together individuals from diverse artistic backgrounds. The initial cohort of 30 students was trimmed down to 27 over time, as some failed to meet attendance requirements. Yet, the remaining students thrived under the tutelage of the YARAT School.

During the initial three months, students delved into the theoretical aspects of contemporary art, conducting research and preparing presentations on their favorite artists. This process allowed students to not only showcase their evolving knowledge but also express their passion for the art forms that resonated with them.

The culmination of their journey was the opportunity to curate and organize their own exhibitions. Najaf Ozturk emphasized that such detailed and practical classes in contemporary art are not commonly found in Azerbaijani universities. Institutions like the YARAT School, along with similar projects, play a pivotal role in nurturing artistic talents and fostering the growth of contemporary art in the region.

Independent Curator Aynur Abutalova, another beneficiary of the YARAT School, highlighted the dearth of opportunities for art managers and curators in Azerbaijan. Aynur, who joined the program to enhance her curatorial skills, underscored the importance of educational projects like the YARAT School in ensuring the sustainable development of contemporary art.

Throughout the program, three exhibitions were curated, providing students with hands-on experience. Aynur Abutalova was particularly proud of her role as a curator in one of these exhibitions, emphasizing the rarity of such opportunities in the local art scene.

As the YARAT School of Contemporary Art begins its second year, it continues to serve as a beacon of artistic education and innovation, shedding light on the untapped potential of contemporary art in Azerbaijan. The institution's commitment to nurturing and elevating artistic talent is poised to make a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the region.