YARAT Contemporary Art Space

YARAT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing an understanding of contemporary art in Azerbaijan and to creating a platform for Azerbaijani art, both nationally and internationally. Based in Baku, YARAT (meaning CREATE in Azerbaijani) was founded by Aida Mahmudova in 2011. YARAT realises its mission through an ongoing program of exhibitions, education events, and festivals. YARAT facilitates exchange between local and international artistic networks including foundations, galleries and museums. YARAT comprises the YARAT Art Centre, ARTIM Project Space, YARAT Studios, YAY Gallery and an extended educational programme.

ARTIM aims to encourage the next generation of Azerbaijani creative talent to seek a career in the arts, and gives young practitioners the opportunity to exhibit their works in a professional context. Founded as part of YARAT’s on-going commitment to growing local art infrastructure in 2012, Yay Gallery (meaning SHARE in Azerbaijani) supports both national and international artists. Yay is a social enterprise, so all proceeds from sales are shared between the artist and YARAT.

Education has been at the heart of YARAT's activities since its creation. With a dedicated public programme, including workshops, lectures, screenings and a specific programme for artist residencies, YARAT aims to give access to broad audiences of all ages. The public programme invests proactively in building communities and nurturing a wider understanding of, and participation in, contemporary art.