YARAT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to nurturing an understanding of contemporary art, creating a hub for artistic practice, research and thinking in the Caucasus, Central Asia and surrounding regions. Based in Baku, Azerbaijan, YARAT (meaning Create in Azerbaijani) was founded by Aida Mahmudova in 2011. YARAT realizes its mission through an on-going program of exhibitions, education events and festivals. YARAT facilitates exchange between local and international artistic networks including foundations, galleries and museums. In 2015 it hosted a solo exhibition by the Iranian-American world-known artist Shirin Neshat.