Jameel Arts Centre
Welcome to the Jameel Arts Centre newsletter: a monthly guide to Dubai's hub for contemporary arts and ideas.

Hospitality, Hotels and Tourism through the Eyes of Artists

Bringing together artists’ works, archival and architectural research from across the Global South, ‘Guest Relations‘ examines the historical, political, social, and cultural transformations associated with tourism.

It places particular emphasis on hotels and the infrastructure of hospitality, providing a perspective rooted in the UAE and its interconnected geographies.

The exhibition is on view until April 28, 2024.

Curated by Murtaza Vali with Lucas Morin,the group exhibition includes works by: Pio Abad, Nadi Abusaada, Hüseyin Bahri Alptekin, Marwa Arsanios, Abdul Halik Azeez, Asma Belhamar, Sophie Calle, Tenzing Dakpa, Shezad Dawood, Meschac Gaba, Mario García Torres, Lamya Gargash, Joana Hadjithomas & Khalil Joreige, Mati Jhurry & Nabla Yahya, Eisa Jocson, Hilmi Johandi, Ranjit Kandalgaonkar, Ahmed Mater, Hind Mezaina, Park Sunyoung & Lee Somi, Michael Rakowitz, Marwan Rechmaoui, Yiyo Tirado Rivera, Salma Serry, Taryn Simon, Svay Ken, Rayyane Tabet, Hale Tenger, Sung Tieu, Lantian Xie, and Ala Younis.

More information here.

Down to Earth 2023: The Annual Green Gathering with a Cause

For the culture-enthusiasts and the eco-conscious – the annual crowd-favourite is back, featuring a wide array of free and exciting activities for all ages.

Down to Earth’ offers something for everyone, spanning fashion, literature, music, gardening, culinary adventures, thrift shopping, engaging discussions, artisanal goods, organic and sustainable products, beauty, DIY projects, and more. The lineup encompasses workshops, tours, insightful talks, interactive installations, experiential performances, and a Green Bazaar – all thoughtfully curated around the central theme of sustainability.

This year’s edition (taking place on November 25) coincides with the UAE Year of Sustainability and takes place just days ahead of COP28 UAE, connecting the local community with the themes of the world’s most important forum for climate action. Additionally, in consideration of the current tragedy in Palestine, the ‘Down to Earth’ programme will be closely connected to this cause, including opportunities to support, learn and gather together.

More information here.

The Third Season of Night School: There You Are

Under this season’s theme,There You Are, architect and writer Todd Reisz explores urbanism, history and their intersection at the port city of Dubai. Through January 7-27, participants will together explore ways of reading the environment, including those aspects that never seem to budge and others that escape at first glance.

Reisz will be accompanied by acclaimed fellow scholars and experts through seminars, readings, discussions and more. Everyone is welcome to apply for the free three-week course; places are limited and determined by an admission and selection process.

More information here.

Exhibitions on View

‘Jameel Prize: Poetry to Politics’

On view through January 7, 2024

Ground Floor

Finale to a renowned design exhibition tour that debuted at the V&A in London and took in leading museums in Chile and Argentina.

‘Guest Relations’

On view through April 24, 2024

First Floor

A group exhibition of 34 artists that examines the socio-cultural transformations that accompany tourism, focusing on hotels and the infrastructure of hospitality.

‘Some seasons: Fereydoun Ave and the Laal Collection, 1959-2019’

On view through March 23, 2024

Second Floor

A group exhibition of 37 artists showcasing five decades of artist, curator, designer and collector Fereydoun Ave’s singular collection of Iranian art.

‘Artist’s Garden: Samur by Zheng Bo’

On view through December 1, 2024

Garden

Hong Kong-based artist Zheng Bo’s Samur is a choreographed dance with a native Samur. The performance is presented at the Jameel as a film installation, set within a landscape of indigenous plants.

Jameel Library

Library Circles: Rashed Almulla

November 15, 2023 – May 13, 2024

A research display where AlMulla investigates the history of stamp production in Dubai, as a lens to study its modernisation, urbanism and city branding mechanisms.

Library Commission: Khalid Mezaina

On view through November 30, 2023

A digital commission featuring a study of regional textile and talismanic practices with entries released fortnightly, accompanied by a physical textile revealed in the Library.

Art Jameel Shop

Dubai Design Week

November 7-12, 2023

Art Jameel Shop, in collaboration with FRAME, is at Dubai Design Week with the Art Jameel Space – a dynamic, curated shop, cafe and hub for talks and workshops.

Find us there and make a difference: donate on-site to Emirates Red Crescent’s Tarahum – For Gaza, show us the receipt, and receive a poster specially designed by local artists and designers. You can also find MADE51products, a brand brought to life by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees.

Focal Point – Art Book Fair

November 4-26, 2023

Explore a captivating selection of print materials by the Art Jameel Shop at Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual book fair.

Purchases from the stall directly contribute to Art Jameel’s endeavours in supporting artists and providing learning opportunities for broader audiences.

Shop here. Support art everywhere.

Plan Your Visit

Jameel Arts Centre is open-access and free to all during the following hours:

Saturday, Thursday, 10:00am – 8:00pm⁠

Tuesday, closed⁠

Friday, 12:00pm – 8:00pm⁠

Please stop by the Welcome Desk to register or check in upon arrival.