Jameel Arts Centre Dubai
Known for its warm hospitality, towering skyscrapers and fascinating tourist attractions, Dubai also has places that promote art and culture. Jameel Arts Centre Dubai is one such establishment, which has fostered contemporary art, protected cultural heritage and encouraged creative entrepreneurship in the UAE and beyond.
The recently launched Jameel Arts Centre Dubai is fast becoming one of the most famous tourist spots in town. True art connoisseurs love the unconventional pieces on display at this popular arts centre in Dubai. Know more about the different aspects of this beautiful place in our detailed review of Jameel Arts Centre.
Jameel Arts Centre Dubai
Community Jameel
Jameel Art Centres’ is a part of the Community Jameel project, in line with the vision of the founder of the Jameel business, Mr Abdul Latif Jameel. Ever since his entry in the business world, Mr Jameel has worked hard to enhance the opportunities for growth in the community. In the last 80 years, thousands have benefitted from the programs started by this family.
Community Jameel is already involved in projects related to healthcare, education and social development. Jameel Arts Centre or Art Jameel is a sister organisation and is another formal way of giving back to the community. Both companies work together to push for a positive social change, increase job opportunities and alleviate poverty.
Vision and initiatives
Jameel Arts Centre Dubai opened on November 2018. The purpose of the centre is to support artists and creative communities of the region. A number of heritage restoration programs are also in progress at the Jameel Arts centre. Educational initiatives including arts training is also a large part of the work being done at the Jameel Arts Centre Dubai.
The vision of the leadership is to build a more open and connected society through art. In modern times, there are many divisive forces in play. As dramatic societal shifts are taking place around the world, Jameel Arts Centre Dubai is playing its role in lessening this divide and building a more cohesive community.
Institutional partners
Art Jameel Centre Dubai operates on a collaborative model. It has the following institutional partners.
- Delfina Foundation
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts
- The Victoria and Albert Museum
Moreover, Jameel Arts Centre Dubai works with locals to develop programs based on modern and ancient technology. It works towards encouraging entrepreneurship and development of cultural networks.
In this small period, the Centre has gained tremendous popularity. On its opening day alone, it attracted around 11,000 people, which was double the capacity.
Arena Development
The three-storey building was specially commissioned. UK-based company Serie Architects and Dubai-based ibda Design collaborated to develop this stunning arena. They did the design keeping into consideration the usage of the building. So there are intimate spaces for capsules exhibition and there are large galleries with high roofs to allow sculptural works. Hence, it could be stated that Jameel Art Center architects have done a tremendous job in building this marvel.
Jameel Arts Centre Dubai offerings
The Centre has multiple gallery spaces which are home to projects, group as well as solo exhibitions, curated commissions from international and national collaborations. It also has an open-access research library. Being the creative and educational hub of the city, the Centre’s library is dedicated to the Arab World’s artistic and cultural movements. A rooftop terrace, a writer’s studio, a member’s lounge, a restaurant and a shop are also present.
Jameel Arts Centre Dubai events
Jameel Arts Centre events are truly unique. A wide spectrum of contemporary and traditional arts is displayed. This includes painting and photography exhibitions, music classes, space art, Islamic art, the collection focuses, individual performances from artists. Moreover, conservations by prominent artists and members of civil society also take place.
The official website has the upcoming events section, which you can check out to know what new events will be featured over the course of the year. So when you plan to visit Jameel Arts Centre, you can choose the event that interests you most. Once you have enjoyed the art display or performance, you can tuck into a little meal at the Jameel Arts Centre restaurant.
Some recent events include:
- InTransitTalk: Dubai, the Migrant Imaginings of a Cosmopolitan World Annual Exhibition of Artisanal Craft and Design
- Collaboration: Campus Art Dubai Open Studios
- Art Jameel at Art Dubai
Jameel Prize for contemporary artists and designers
Jameel Prize recognises artists who explore traditional Islamic influences through modern-day art. Winners take £25,000 home. Victoria and Albert Museum London, work in collaboration for the Jameel Prize and industry specialists nominate artists from across the world.
Subsequently, short-listed candidates are invited to present their work. On 25th April, the Jameel Prize 5 exhibition debuted at Jameel Arts Centre. The exhibition was inaugurated by Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, Fady Mohammed Jameel, President, Art Jameel, Nicholas Coleridge CBE, Chairman of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).
The exhibition will continue until September 14, 2019.
Where is the Jameel Arts Centre Dubai located?
Jameel Arts Centre location is Jaddaf Waterfront – Dubai
How to get to Jameel Art Centre?
You can drive or take a cab to Jameel Arts Centre at Jaddaf Waterfront. Palazzo Versace is the nearest landmark to the Jameel Art Centre Dubai location.
Alternatively, the closest metro station is Al Jaddaf on the green line. You have to walk for about 15-minutes to reach there.
What are the timings of Jameel Art Centre?
Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
The Jameel Centre remains closed on Tuesdays.
How much is Jameel Arts Centre entrance fee?
There is no entry fee. You don’t have to buy Jameel arts centre tickets to get in.
How can I contact Jameel Arts Centre Dubai?
You can call at +971-4-873-9811.
Jameel Arts Centre opening has already has had a positive impact on the art circle in Dubai. Moreover, with time, it is likely to become a major tourist attraction as well as one of the world’s prominent exhibition centres. Jameel Arts Centre events attract locals too.
Besides a visit to Jameel Art Centre exhibitions, there are many indoor activities for the summer that tourists, visitors and even Dubai residents can try. Spots like the Museum of Illusions or the soon to be inaugurated Museum of the Future, are other off-beat artistic places in Dubai for visitors to experience. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to MyBayut to keep tabs on all the latest happenings in the city.
(Featured image credit: Art Jameel official website)
