In an effort to extend support to artists affected by the COVID-19 crisis, Dubai Culture and Art Jameel have partnered to help 75 creatives in the MENA region through a micro-funding program.

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Art Jameel is an independent arts foundation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is behind Jameel Arts Center in Dubai. The organization had partnered with Dubai Culture to launch the UAE version of the Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform focusing on the MENA region, earlier in April this year.

This first phase of the initiative was to ensure continued artistic production for artists and artist collectives, writers and curators whose projects have been affected by the closures and cancellations brought on the by pandemic.

The open call drew 496 applications from artists of more than 49 nationalities. Applications were accepted from 1 April to 7 June, with Dubai Culture and Art Jameel concluding the first round by awarding 47 allocations worth Dhs3,500-7,000, facilitating more than 75 creative practitioners from the UAE. 

The list of creatives comprises 17 nationalities, including people from the UAE, Pakistan, the US, Iran, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, India, the Philippines and the UK. Around 70% of the artists are from Dubai with the remaining from other Emirates, and UAE nationals made up the highest number of applicants and awardees.

In a statement to The National, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said, “We hope that this will benefit the winners and play an integral role in keeping the spirits of the artists high during these trying times.”

She also called for “collective effort” to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis on the creative community, which has been adversely affected by the cancellation of cultural events.

Director of Art Jameel, Antonia Carver, added, “With the Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform and other initiatives launched in the UAE and in the region, we hope that creatives can navigate these challenging times, and continue to produce works, with continued financial relief.”

Image credit: @art_jameel