The workshop offers to work with a real urban context through mapping, observation, and collaborative documentation. Participants will master field research tools, basic approaches to data analysis and visualization, and discuss how such spaces can be understood, reimagined, and presented through visual practices and storytelling.​
These areas rarely come into focus for artists, urbanists, and researchers, even though it is here that the changes of recent decades—from economic reforms to decentralized urban planning—are particularly noticeable.
Structure and Result
  • Dates: March 23–30, 2026.
  • Format: 7 days, approximately 6 hours per day of fieldwork (mapping and documentation), along with joint discussions and analytical work based at the university.
  • Summary: a small public group exhibition, opening on March 30.
  • Upon completion, all participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Who is it for: 
Applications can be submitted by senior-year students and recent graduates with a background in:
  • architecture and urban planning,
  • urban planning,
  • art and visual studies,
  • in social sciences and related fields.
Candidates with a pronounced interest in visual practices (photo, video, spatial storytelling) are also welcome. Specialized professional experience is not required—motivation, curiosity, and a willingness to work in the field and as part of a team are more important in the selection process.
Language and Venue
The workshop takes place in Samarkand, the working language of the program is English, so a level sufficient for oral and written communication is required.
Participation Terms and Support
  • For all selected participants (from Samarkand and other regions), the organizers cover participation in the workshop and daily lunches.
  • Additionally, 2 participants from other regions of Uzbekistan will receive full support: travel Samarkand–return, accommodation, participation, and lunches.
  • Other meal expenses are covered by the participants themselves. If you do not live in Samarkand and wish to apply for funding, please indicate this in your motivation letter.
Application Submission
Deadline: February 15, 2026 Email for applications: thirdspace@artstation.uz
Two PDF files need to be sent:
  • Motivation letter (up to 1 page).
  • Brief biography and description of previous projects (1–2 pages).
Organizers and Partners
The workshop is organized (in no particular order) with the participation of Art Station Gallery and Anastasia Galimova (Uzbekistan), Omar Nagati / CLUSTER (Egypt), Elisa Wynn-Hughes / Cardiff University (United Kingdom).​The program is conducted with the support of the British Council and is based at Silk Road University in Samarkand.