From 17 to 23 April, the Delegation of the European Union to Jordan hosted its first Photography Residency Programme in Amman, in partnership with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and under the artistic direction of the artist/photographer Tariq Dajani.

Held under the theme "People, Land, Memories,” the residency brought together fifteen photographers from Europe and Jordan. Artists from Cyprus, Greece, France, Spain, and Slovenia joined Jordanian photographers for a week of exchange, exploration, and collaboration. Through visits across Amman and a field trip to Ajloun, participants developed visual narratives reflecting Jordan’s landscapes and communities.

Public engagement was a key component of the programme. Evening workshops and talks at Wijdan Art Space, created space for dialogue between artists and audiences. Sessions included "Express Yourself Through Photography” with Tariq Dajani and "Visual Storytelling: Between Photography and Cinema” with filmmaker Amjad Al Rasheed, alongside opportunities to meet and discuss with the resident photographers.

The residency concluded with a public exhibition at the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts on 23 April. All artworks are for sale, with proceeds supporting the Princess Taghrid Institute for Development and Training and in particular its "Promise for a Better Future” campaign whose aim is to restore hope, create real opportunities, and empower beneficiaries to become independent and active members of society. The exhibition remains open until 5 May.

EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas commented:

"Art is a powerful vehicle for dialogue between cultures. This residency has created a platform for exchange between European and Jordanian photographers, resulting in works that reflect a shared creative journey while contributing to a meaningful cause.”

QUOTE – Dr. Khaled

Through this initiative, the European Union continues to support cultural exchange, creative collaboration, and the role of art in fostering dialogue and positive social impact.