Calling all Saudi artists: Applications now open for Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene, an intensive new learning programme developed by Art Jameel in advance of the launch of Hayy: Creative Hub in 2020

• Hayy Learning: Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene is an intensive learning programme for artists based in the Kingdom, taking place in Jeddah, September to December 2019
• The programme tutors include internationally renowned curators and museum directors, plus local and regional artists, who teach workshops, deliver lectures, set readings, and guide exhibition and studio tours
• Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene is designed to be a transformative and mentoring opportunity for artists who are set to develop a full-time career in the arts
• The deadline for applications is July 5, 2019

Art Jameel , an independent organisation that supports arts, education and heritage in the Middle East and beyond, today announces an Open Call for Saudi artists, inviting them to participate in Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene . This intensive programme is a cornerstone of Art Jameel’s new educational initiative, Hayy: Learning, developed specifically for artists and creatives based in Saudi Arabia.

Through bespoke programmes, workshops and public talks, Hayy Learning nurtures talent, skills and knowledge development across art, film, theatre, music and beyond. The programme will be delivered at Hayy: Creative Hub, Jeddah, once the centre opens in 2020; in the meantime, the inaugural arts-specific programme will take place at partner venues in Jeddah.

Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene is a new programme that responds to the needs of the Saudi arts scene and is designed to support emerging and upcoming Saudi-based artists. Participants will work with tutors to develop their practices and careers; learn new skills and contexts; and map and navigate the arts and cultural landscapes of KSA.

The programme includes lectures, seminars, workshops and readings, which collectively familiarise artists with the cultural landscapes of KSA and the region, and allow them to track and take advantage of opportunities therein. Topics covered range from understanding regional arts histories, the art market and marketing arts practices, to application writing, legal matters and staying up-to-date with global trends in contemporary art concepts, curation and thinking.

Through this programme, Art Jameel aims to equip artists with the know-how to take their practices to the next level and to help nurture Saudi’s growing, dynamic contemporary art landscape.

The four-month-long programme is structured so that 3 modules are delivered over a combination of private and public lectures, seminars, workshops, focus groups and field trips. Three intensive, week-long sessions in September, October, and December 2019 are accompanied by digital resources and assignments. Sessions are delivered by local, regional and international guest speakers – artists, curators, gallerists, and other experts in their field – and supported by locally-based bilingual Art Jameel tutors, on a day-to-day basis.

Hayy: Learning builds on and is designed to complement Art Jameel’s established learning programmes, including the Jameel House of Traditional Arts / Jeddah, located in Al-Balad. The heritage institute is currently holding an exhibition of works created by participants completing the one-year programme which references Jeddah’s rich history of craft, material use and artisanal excellence, as well as global traditions of Islamic design. The exhibition runs until May 11, 2019.

Who can apply?

Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene is open to artists based in Saudi Arabia who are over the age of 24 and are looking to develop a full-time career in the field. Applicants should if possible have a university degree and strong, bilingual communication skills. Moreover, they should be passionate about learning more about contemporary art, critical writing and art history. Full details on Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene can be found here.

Art Jameel, an independent organisation that supports arts, education and heritage in the Middle East and beyond, today announces an Open Call for Saudi artists, inviting them to participate in Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene.