ExCo
Hosted by the arts organisation OIRArt Hub who invited 10 international artists to explore the frozen lake in extreme temperatures of -30C. Using only natural materials found on-site to create temporary installations they responded to the extreme environment known as the "Blue Pearl" that is surrounded by the snow-capped Sayan Mountains and Taiga forests, a rugged landscape which holds the country’s largest freshwater lake containing nearly 70% of Mongolia's freshwater.
The “JAVAR” International Winter Art Residency 2026 is the first residency of its kind in Mongolia. The program took place from February 25 to March 7, bringing together Mongolian and international artists to create new works within one of the country’s most pristine winter landscapes. fostering artistic research, reflection, and cross-cultural exchange in extreme landscapes.
Public Programs and Cultural Exchange
Following the residency, a series of public programs and educational activities were organized in Ulaanbaatar to extend the residency’s impact and foster dialogue around contemporary art and environmental practices.
- February 25 – March 1, 2026: Artists resided and created works in Khatgal – Lake Khuvsgol.
- March 3 - Mark and Rebecca conducted a collaborative visual arts workshop for elementary school students at Elite International School in Ulaanbaatar.
- March 4, 2026: A public lecture on Land Art and environmental artistic practice was presented by Mark Antony Haden Ford, Rebecca Ford, at the Mongolian National University of Arts, Film and Culture, attended by students and art enthusiasts.
Additionally, they appeared on the Mongolian Television program ‘This Morning’ (Өнөө Өглөө) on March 5, 2026, sharing insights and experiences from the residency.
A video documentary capturing the process and outcomes of the “JAVAR” Winter Art Residency will be released in April 2026 on the OIR Art Hub YouTube channel.
The “JAVAR” International Winter Art Residency 2026 was supported by Mongolian Handicrafts LLC. and curated by Ulziibat Enkhtur for OIR Art Hub.
5. Contributed
Frozen ripples Photo: Submitted
6. Contributed
On Mongol TV morning show last week Photo: Submitted