Jameel Arts Centre: a museum that is a work of art on its own

Jameel Arts Centre, known as Dubai's contemporary arts museum, first opened its doors to the public in November 2018.

An excellent example of successful private patronage, supporting the region's thriving art scene, the Jameel -- designed by Serie Architects -- has become pivotal to the UAE's cultural landscape.

Architecturally inspired by traditional Arab homes linked by courtyards, and overlooking the Dubai Creek, the Jameel includes 10 gallery spaces accented by 7 desert gardens; an Artist's Garden; and the UAE's first sculpture park, designed by wai wai architects and home to live performance, festivals and more.

Jameel Arts Centre's dynamic exhibitions programme explores contemporary themes and features important works by established and emerging artists.

Curated in-house, often in collaboration with regional and international arts institutions, new solo and thematic group shows are introduced to audiences every 3-6 months.

Jameel Arts Centre is also dedicated to supporting artists through new commissions. The rotating multi-year programme has focused on Sculpture (2018), Arts Writing and Research (2019), Digital (2020) and Drawing and Painting (2021).

Lifelong learning, research and "thinking in public" are at the heart of the museum. The Jameel Library plays a key role in providing access-for-all to a wide range of resources, books, zines and displays showcasing local histories and narratives

Additionally, the Assembly programme fosters creativity and leadership among the region's youth, culminating in annual Youth Takeovers of the Jameel, when the members and their cohort occupy the museum, curating and organising their own public programmes.

The Jameel is for everyone: programmes are designed to appeal to arts enthusiasts through to first-time museum visitors. And there's always something happening -- from talks and symposia to workshops, performances, screenings and day-long festivals.

With its carefully-sourced range of products, the Art Jameel Shop is a way for visitors to gain a meaningful souvenir while supporting regional artists, designers and cooperatives.

A wide range of arts books is complemented by gifts, posters, prints and design objects, often inspired by the exhibitions.

Established to spark dialogue among the broadest audiences, Jameel Arts Centre is a creative home-from-home for everyone from families to school children and students, from novices to experts, from youth to adults, and from citizens to residents and tourists.

As Art Jameel continues to grow its following in the UAE and globally, a new and exciting chapter is yet to come: Hayy Jameel,  the 17,000-square-metre creative community currently under development in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is set to open by the end of 2021.