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A dark green cabin situated by a river, partially covered by a gorse bush.
Nine individuals stand outside Cove Park. Blue skies, a still lake, and a hilly landscape can be seen in the background.
Four smiling artists crouch behind a clay and wire sculpture.
A group of artists sat together in a circle, in the middle of a bright spacious room,

Landscapes & Horizons Residency

Daria Oskolkova Haleh Jamali Ako Zada Oleksandra Novatska Paria Moazemi Goodarzi Iman Tajik

‘Landscapes & Horizons’ was a fully funded group residency tailored for Scotland-based  artists from refugee and other migrant backgrounds. The residency took place in early Spring, 2024, and was hosted by Cove Park in collaboration with Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing organisation, and Cross Borders at Scottish Refugee Council.

The awardees were artists and writers, Daria Oskolkova, Haleh Jamali, Oleksandra Novatska, Paria Goodarzi, Iman Tajik, and Ako Zada. Over the span of a week, they participated in creative workshops and collaborative activities, creating an environment conducive to exploring different facets of their creative practices. These workshops were led by Mariem Omari, Michaela Blair, and Nick Bone.

‘Landscapes & Horizons’ was developed to offer a nurturing space for those who have faced barriers due to age, care commitments, or asylum/ immigration status. The residency aimed to provide opportunities for collaboration, dedicated studio-time, and a chance for reflection on their practice. The group shared a heartfelt appreciation for the environment, spoke warmly of the new connections forged with fellow artists, and expressed gratitude for the support and encouragement provided by Cove Park, Luminate, and Cross Borders.

About the artists:

Haleh Jamali

Haleh is an Iranian woman artist, who views video art as a storytelling tool that creates immersive experiences that resonate deeply with viewers’ emotions. Passionate about exploring themes of identity and societal issues, Haleh wants to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about Iranian culture, while also shedding light on the challenges and complexities faced by individuals within her society.

Oleksandra Novatska

Oleksandra Novatska is an artist and curator from Lviv, Ukraine, now living in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. She works mainly with watercolour and pencil, adding other materials and techniques where a project requires them.

Iman Tajik

Iman Tajik is an Iranian artist based in Glasgow. His work is anchored in a strong social interest and demonstrates an effort to make work that is a critical tool connected to international movements for social change. Tajik’s work addresses issues of contemporary conditions of life with a particular focus on migration and globalisation – thereby bridging the gap between art and activism, to create work as a form of socio-political currency, addressing power structures.

Daria Oskolkova

Daria is a Ukrainian artist, a writer and now a painter. Her connection with art became tangible in the summer of 2016 when she visited the studio of Vladimir Shaposhnikov and Anna Ielizarova.

Paria Goodarzi

Paria Goodarzi is an Iranian-born artist and social art practitioner, a member of UNESCO RILA Affiliated Artist network, and The Young Academy of Scotland. Paria studied BA(Hons) in Textile Design from the University of Science & Culture in Tehran, Sculpture & Environmental Art at Glasgow School of Art, and Master of Adult Education, Community Development & Youth Work at Glasgow University.

Ako Zada

Ako Zada is a Glasgow based multi-disciplinary artist originally from Iraqi Kurdistan who arrived in Scotland as a refugee in 2011. He has studied paper making, pottery, photography and printmaking and integrates these techniques with his community work supporting refugees and the Kurdish community in Glasgow.

Read more about the artists’ reflections on the week here.