Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy has come up with another gig for creatives in Pakistan. The esteemed filmmaker has announced an international art residency called ‘Neela Asmaan’ for emerging and established artists. 

A project of SOC Films, ‘Neela Asmaan’ will transport artists to the Shigar valley in Gilgit-Baltistan and offer them an opportunity to make art, taking inspiration from their picturesque surroundings. 

The residency programme open to writers, photographers, philosophers, architects, climate change warriors, visual artists, and design practitioners, provides a stipend of up to Rs 100,000 to cover travel expenses. The residency offers a stay of two to four weeks. 

Each resident will be paired with a mentor during the program, who will provide them with meaningful feedback and hone their creative skills. “Neela Asmaan is a unique opportunity for artists to refocus and create original works in a supportive and nurturing environment,” said Obaid, founder of SOC Films.