Kyrgyz Republic
Art-Residence of Bishkek School of Contemporary Art "Bulbul"
About Us
The Bulbul Art-Residence was opened in 2023 in Besh-Kungei, in suburbs of Bishkek city, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The residency is curated by artist Syinat Zholdosheva and Ruslan Ismailov together with the founders of the Bishkek School of Contemporary Art (BiSCA). Bulbul is family-run residency where artists work in close contact with local culture, nature, and the everyday rhythms of family life.
Space
The resident area includes three bedrooms, shared bathroom, kitchen and a studio. The studio can host small events, performances, readings, and live presentations. The house has Wi-Fi, heating, and is suitable for long focused work periods.
The resident area includes three bedrooms, shared bathroom, kitchen and a studio. The studio can host small events, performances, readings, and live presentations. The house has Wi-Fi, heating, and is suitable for long focused work periods.
First Floor, Studio and View from Outside
Second Floor
What we offer
- AccommodationPrivate room in a calm, home-based residency. Comfortable for focused work and rest.
- Shared StudioAccess to a shared studio for work, experimentation, and exchange.
- Possibility to hold public eventsOption to organise talks, open studios, screenings, or small public events.
- Curatoral SupportOptional guidance, feedback, and support in developing your project and local connections.
Location
Besh-Kungei is located near the mountains, offering:
- A cooler and more pleasant summer climate than the city
- Much cleaner air during winter
- Open fields, quiet surroundings, and mountain views
- A safe, calm village environment perfect for concentrated work
- Shops and basic services are within a short walking distance or a quick drive..
Our address is the Kyrgyz Republic, Besh-Kungei village, Ordobai uulu Karynbai Str 28/2, 724330
Location on 2GIS: https://2gis.kg/bishkek/geo/70000001079587063
Location on Google Map:
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Our Programmes
Our Standard Art-Residency Programme offers artists, researchers, writers, and cultural practitioners working in any discipline a focused time and space for creative exploration. The standard residency includes accommodation, studio space, and basic organizational support.
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, please fill out this form.
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, please fill out this form.
No Project Residency is a residency format for artists and practitioners who arrive without a defined project, clear plan, or expected result.
This programme is designed for:
This programme is designed for:
- periods of transition
- exhaustion or creative pause
- doubt, questioning, or reorientation
- practices that need time rather than production
Cultural perspective involves identity of symbols. The uses of words that are related with the image, the use of heroes in the image, etc.
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, please fill out this form.
Applications are accepted year-round. To apply, please fill out this form.
Zine Residency Programme
(for citizens of Kyrgyzstan only)
(for citizens of Kyrgyzstan only)
We are launching the first zine residency at our art residency. The programme brings together living-on-site and inspiration from the Mobile Library.
This is an invitation for those who work with self-publishing, appreciate silence and mountains, and believe in the power of small books.
This is an invitation for those who work with self-publishing, appreciate silence and mountains, and believe in the power of small books.
Current Residents
- Guiv (France)
- Jasmine Deporta (Switzerland)
- Zarrin Sanvar (Tajikistan)
- Rusudan Mirobzalova (Uzbekistan)
- Zhanar Kair (Kzakhstan)
Past Residents
- Iliya Sibiryakov (Russia)
- Oksana Kapishnikova (Kyrgyzstan)
- sTo Len (USA)
- Anton Polsky / Make (Russia/Germany)
- Anton Karmanov (Russia)
- Gracey Zhang (USA/Canada)
- Sharareh Bajracharya (Nepal)
- Gluklya (Netherlands/Russia)
- Doorov Islamidin (Kyrgyzstan)
- Alima Tokmergenova (Kyrgyzstan)
- Merel Roijaards (Netherlands)
- Maria Fedina (Kyrgyzstan)
- Velislav Georgiev (Australia/Bulgaria)
- Nurdana Adyrakaeva (Kyrgyzstan)
- SeBoLLiN (Argentina)
- Ivana Tkalčić (Croatia)
- Luke McDonald (Wales)
- Robyn Upton (Belgium/England)
- Guiv (France)
FAQ
Bulbul is a family- and children-friendly residency. Companions, partners, and children are welcome.
Yes — the service costs €25. For airport pick-up, please share your flight details once the ticket is purchased. We will meet you at the airport with a sign displaying your name.
Curated support is a light, practical form of guidance to help you connect with the local art scene and develop your residency plan. It is not a full-time mentorship or production service.
What’s included in curated support?Per week, it typically includes:
What’s included in curated support?Per week, it typically includes:
- 1–2 curatorial meetings / studio visits (planning, discussion)
- Introductions to local artists/curators/institutions (depending on availability)
- Help with a suggested route in Bishkek (museums, galleries, studios, events)
- Basic support with communication and coordination when needed
- Daily accompanying
- Translation at all times (only during agreed meetings)
- Production assistance, fabrication, or buying materials
- Driver services and long-distance travel (Issyk-Kul etc.)
- Guaranteed access to specific institutions (availability depends on schedules)
There is no requirement to produce a final artwork, exhibition, or public outcome — we support process-based practice, rest, research, and experimentation. However, if a resident wishes to share their work publicly or deliver workshop, the curators are happy to assist and help organise it.
No — the studio is shared between 2–3 residents. Each artist has an allocated work zone and storage. The shared format encourages exchange, feedback, and collaboration while respecting focus and quiet working rhythms.
Meals are not included by default. You will have access to a shared kitchen. Occasionally we may host shared dinners, but this is not a paid meal plan.
Yes — we can support research trips with conceptual framing, contacts, and logistics. This is quoted separately depending on route, duration, and support needs.
Residents have access to:
- Fully equipped accommodation
- Bright studio space with natural light
- Basic art tools and equipment (and support with sourcing materials locally)
- Curatorial support: conversations, feedback, documentation advice
- Support with local logistics, introductions, and translation when needed
- Fully equipped kitchen stocked with basic staples
- Opportunities to engage with local artisans and communities
- Option to organise a small public talk, workshop, or presentation (if desired)
- A field, river and mountains next to the residence for walks, outdoor research, or plein-air work
- Flights and transportation to/from Bishkek
- Daily meals (except in the FeltCraft Programme) — although sometimes the family cooks local dishes together with residents or invites them for shared dinners
- Personal insurance
The residency fee depends on the duration of stay, the chosen programme, and the level of curatorial or production support required.
For reference, the following guide can be used to estimate the approximate cost:
Self-directed Residency (Accommodation + Shared Studio)
Curated Support (optional add-on)
Additional room (for family members)
If an extra room is required for accompanying family members, an additional fee of €25 per night, per room applies (subject to availability).
Deposit
To confirm dates, a 10% deposit is required and will be deducted from the total fee.
(Airport pick-up, materials, production support, and trips outside Bishkek are quoted separately.)
For reference, the following guide can be used to estimate the approximate cost:
Self-directed Residency (Accommodation + Shared Studio)
- €35/day
- 2 weeks: €450
- 1 month (30 days): €850 (best value / recommended)
Curated Support (optional add-on)
- from €70/week
Additional room (for family members)
If an extra room is required for accompanying family members, an additional fee of €25 per night, per room applies (subject to availability).
Deposit
To confirm dates, a 10% deposit is required and will be deducted from the total fee.
(Airport pick-up, materials, production support, and trips outside Bishkek are quoted separately.)
By car:
Drive from Bishkek along Alamedin Road (Almatinka) heading toward Arashan. Before reaching the football field, turn right. Then go straight — our house will be on the right side after about 150 meters. Parking is available nearby.
By taxi:
From downtown Bishkek, the fare is approximately 400–500 KGS. Mention: “Bulbul”.
By public transport:
Take bus No. 51, No. 12, or minibus No. 200 and get off at Dostuk football field. From there, it’s a 2–3 minute walk.
Drive from Bishkek along Alamedin Road (Almatinka) heading toward Arashan. Before reaching the football field, turn right. Then go straight — our house will be on the right side after about 150 meters. Parking is available nearby.
By taxi:
From downtown Bishkek, the fare is approximately 400–500 KGS. Mention: “Bulbul”.
By public transport:
Take bus No. 51, No. 12, or minibus No. 200 and get off at Dostuk football field. From there, it’s a 2–3 minute walk.
A one-month stay gives you time to settle into the local rhythm, build meaningful connections, and develop your work beyond first impressions. It also allows for deeper research, stronger curatorial dialogue, and more thoughtful production. Most artists say the real residency experience starts after the first week — when the place becomes familiar and ideas begin to grow.
Yes. Closer to arrival, a detailed Welcome Kit is shared with practical information about studio use, local transport, food, and recommendations for museums, cafés, parks, and other useful places.
Yes. A Zoom call can be arranged in advance to discuss logistics, family needs, and any questions. Preferred time slots can be shared to schedule the call.
The residency fee is paid at the beginning of your stay.
For longer stays (several months), the fee is paid at the beginning of each month, according to the agreed duration and programme.
All payment details and schedules are confirmed individually after acceptance.
For longer stays (several months), the fee is paid at the beginning of each month, according to the agreed duration and programme.
All payment details and schedules are confirmed individually after acceptance.
Recent Announcements
Open Call
Course
Exhibition
Зин-выставка "Басмакана"
Event
Art-Therapy
Exhibition
Event
Swop-Party
Event
Reviews
- “Syinat and her family are the most welcoming of hosts. I initially intended to stay 1 month at their residency but found myself extending not just because I needed more time to work but I also found their company incredibly generous and kind. They were always quick to offer any assistance I needed in terms of resources, information, etc. The art residency space was large and spacious with lovely natural light to work with and located close but far enough away from the city to wake up peacefully. The residency was more than an art residency and embodied the spirit of Kyrgyz hospitality and was a cultural exchange I’ll always remember fondly. I hope to be back to visit Syinat, Ruslan, Sophia and Aidyn soon.”Gracey JhangArtist, New York, USA
- It was amazing experience being in the residence! Artist is receiving a lot of care and support of family along with the place for solitude and concentration. Thank you again for your great hospitality!GluklyaArtist, Netherlands / Russia
- "I lived with Synat and Ruslan for the whole month of May in 2025. I came to Kyrgyzstan to study Russian so I wanted to live in a family where I would have full immersion. I believe it was a very good choice because they are a very friendly family who gave me lots of opportunity to practice, especially with their two children. If you come from Europe or North America, Kyrgyzstan can be a very unfamiliar place, but both Ruslan and Synat really helped me feel at home."James CetrulloStudent, Italy
- "I loved staying with Ruslan and Syinat. They were both extremely helpful, warm, and friendly. I enjoyed my daily conversations during dinner with them and they were always open to chat. They helped me improve a lot and also taught me about the customs and culture of Kyrgyzstan. I would highly recommend you stay with them in Besh Kungei to get an authentic experience of Kyrgyzstan, improve quickly at Russian, and learn about the local culture"KeshavStudent, USA
- Hi Syinat, here is my review: The residency at Bulbul was so good for me, both personally and artistically. Syinat and Ruslan really made me feel home, and part of the family. The studio and the location are great; the studio is very big and calm, and I still dream about the view of the mountains. I had a great mix of being able to develop my personal project and work, and exploring Kyrgyz culture. Thank you so much again, hopefully see you soon!
Merel RoijaardsNetherlands - Окрылённый идеей сделать выставку, я написал с просьбой принять меня в арт-резиденцию «Булбул». На удивление, меня приняли очень радушно.
Я пришёл в резиденцию с целью закончить работу за месяц, но не рассчитал свои силы. Однако основательница резиденции, Сыйнат Жолдошева, вошла в моё положение (что она делала не раз и по другим вопросам, пока я там находился) и продлила моё пребывание ещё на полмесяца.
Резиденция находится у подножия гор. В каждый безоблачный день вас встречают горы во всём своём великолепии. В минуты отдыха я совершал небольшие прогулки у реки. Дачные дома могут вдохновлять ничуть не меньше, чем горы.
Моё пребывание в резиденции дало мне огромный профессиональный опыт, а также подарило приятные знакомства с замечательными людьми. Когда-нибудь я хочу ещё раз повторить этот опыт.
Часто место, где я создаю свои картины, я называю домом.Дооров младший (Дооров Исламидин)Кыргызстан
How to join us?
Explore our programmes
Start by reading about our residency formats on the website and choose the programme that resonates with your current practice and situation (Standard Residency, No Project Residency, Barter Residency, etc.).
Submit your application
Send your application by email or through the application form indicated on the programme page.
Applications are accepted year-round.
Applications are accepted year-round.
Review & dialogue
We review applications carefully and may follow up with questions or suggest a short conversation to clarify expectations, timing, and format.
This stage is about mutual fit.
This stage is about mutual fit.
Confirmation & deposit
If accepted, we confirm:
For longer stays, payment is made at the beginning of each month.
- residency dates
- programme format
- duration and fee
For longer stays, payment is made at the beginning of each month.
Welcome kit & arrival coordination
Before your arrival, you will receive a Bulbul Welcome Kit with practical information and preparation details.
If needed, we can also arrange a meeting at Manas International Airport (Bishkek) or provide clear instructions for independent arrival.
Airport meeting or transfer options are discussed individually in advance and depend on arrival time and availability.
If needed, we can also arrange a meeting at Manas International Airport (Bishkek) or provide clear instructions for independent arrival.
Airport meeting or transfer options are discussed individually in advance and depend on arrival time and availability.
Beginning of a journey
Upon arrival, we take time to help you settle in and gently introduce you to the space, the working rhythm, and the surrounding context.
There is no formal opening — the residency begins quietly, through presence and orientation.
There is no formal opening — the residency begins quietly, through presence and orientation.
Prices
The residency fee depends on the duration of stay, the chosen programme, and the level of curatorial or production support required.
For reference, the following guide can be used to estimate the approximate cost:
For reference, the following guide can be used to estimate the approximate cost:
Self-Directed Residency
€30/day
€20/day (November-February)
€20/day (November-February)
- 1 month: €800 (best value / recommended)
- 1 month: €600 (November-February)
- Includes: accommodation (private room), access to a shared 50 m² studio (up to 3 residents), basic utilities, Wi-Fi, and an assigned work zone.
Curated Support
from €100
- Optional add-on. The cost of curated support may increase depending on the scope of requests (e.g., extended coordination, additional meetings, research planning, special introductions, production assistance). The exact fee is calculated after the application form is received.
Additional Room
(for family members)
(for family members)
€20 per night, per room, if separate room is requested
- Optional add-on. If an extra room is required for accompanying family members, an additional fee of €20 per night, per room applies (subject to availability).
Chief Curator
Syinat Zholdosheva
Syinat Zholdosheva
Artist, Designer, Curator, Writer
Co-Curator
Art-Library
Mobile LIbrary: Kyrgyzstan
Since 2025
Since 2025
Brand Designer
Brand Integrity and Design Manager at University of Central Asia
Since 2022
Since 2022
Curator
Art-Gallery
Art-Gallery "Bulbul"
(coming)
(coming)
Curator
Public Union "ArtEast"
NGO founded in 2002
Co-Curators
- Ruslan IsmailovCo-curatorCo-founder of Art-Residence "Bulbul", Engineer
- Alima TokmergenovaCo-curatorResearcher, Co-Founder of the SYNERGY Creative Workshop, and Co-Founder of the Bishkek School of Contemporary Art.
- BiSCA TeamFoundersBishkek School of Contemporary Art is socially engaged art collective.
Bulbul Archive
Residents’ texts, process photographs, and audio conversations.
A living archive and the institutional memory of Bulbul Art-Residence.
Learn more A living archive and the institutional memory of Bulbul Art-Residence.
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