Dubai: Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has commissioned Art Jameel to prepare the Jaddaf Playscape Commission Program, a new sculptural addition to Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park at Jameel Arts Centre.
The new program offers UAE-based artists, designers, and collectives the chance to propose and produce a sizable, engaging public artwork every four years through Dubai Public Art. The Jaddaf Playscape Commission will launch its first project in the fall of 2023, with the goal of creating a place for play, imagination, and creativity for people of all ages.
The Commission upholds the commitment made by Art Jameel and Dubai Culture to involve the public in public art and performances, to support artists, architects, designers, and writers by fostering their practices, to develop difficult, innovative new ideas, and to produce captivating works for the general public.
Other projects in this series include Creek Shelters, a series of sustainable and interactive structures designed by artists and architects, and Creek Experiences, a series of audio walks responding to Dubai’s historical “artery” that were created and recorded by artists, writers, and poets, along with performances and an expanded digital program.
Ms. Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, remarked, “Art Jameel has a particular interest in commissioning and curating public art. Since the launch of Jameel Arts Centre in 2018, the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, developed in partnership with Dubai Holding, has become a site of dynamic, interactive curation and programming that engages the broadest audiences.”
“Considered the UAE’s first arts-themed public space, the park, designed by local architects from waiwai, features both monumental and permanent works by world-renowned artists and a rolling programme of temporary commissions, community festivals and public performances,” Director of Art Jameel further added.
Dubai Public Art is a brand-new, multi-year initiative run by Dubai Culture that enables artists working in the UAE to produce and install public art. Together with Art Dubai, Tashkeel, Alserkal, and Akaas Visual Arts, Art Jameel serves as a curatorial partner to commission and organise a number of site-specific art installations throughout the emirate. The deadline for proposals is March 31st, and all application documents must be submitted online through Dubai Culture.