Hayy Learning – Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene

In collaboration with Hayy Jameel (2019).

In advance of the launch of Hayy Jameel in 2021, Navigating the Contemporary Art Scene was designed to respond to the needs of the Saudi arts scene and support emerging and upcoming Saudi-based artists in developing their skills and career-development, and tracing local and regional arts histories. It took place over the course of four months from September to December, 2019.

I was invited by Art Jameel to coordinate, support and build this programme alongside their team. Although I was primarily based in Dubai with a brief understanding of Jeddah’s art scene, not only did my awareness deepen, but I have a fondness for it’s warm, burgeoning and diverse art community.

I have had the pleasure of working with the 15 following participants: Ahmed Sofi, Ammar Jimman, Ayman Daydban, Aziz Jamal, Balqis Al Rashed, Bashaer Hawsawi, Daniah Alsaleh, Fai Ahmad, Joud Fahmi, Khaled Al Tubaishi, Majed Angawi, Maisa Shaldan, Meshaal Alzeer, Moath Alofi and Zainab Mumtaz.

Sessions were delivered by local, regional and international guest tutors including artists, curators, gallerists and other practitioners, supported by locally-based bilingual Art Jameel tutors. Visiting tutors and speakers included: Abdulnasser Gharem, Abdulrahman Gazzaz, Antonia Carver, Claire Davies, Dawn Ross, Dr. Lina Kattan, Dr. Zahra Al Ghamdi, Kevin Jones, Lana Shamma, Manal Al Dowayan, Maryam Al Dabbagh, Maya El Khalil, Monira Al Qadiri, Pablo Del Val, Salma Tuqan, Sara Al Omran, Soundouss Abousekhra, Turki Gazzaz, Uns Kattan and me.