A rapid response program that attracted creative requests from 47 nationalities

Dubai supports 75 creative people to face the challenges of "Corona"

  • Hala Badri: "We hope that the grants will spread optimism among the artists and enhance their confidence in overcoming these difficult times."

  • Antonia Carver: "The requests showed an evolution in talent and a diversity of ideas that reflected an ever-evolving art scene."

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The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), in cooperation with “Art Jameel” in Dubai, has concluded the first phase of the “Art Jameel Platform for Research and Art Practices” initiative, which aims to provide small funding grants to support independent artists and small creative companies in the UAE. Within the framework of the authority's continuous efforts to support the creative community in facing the challenges posed by the "Covid-19" pandemic.

The platform forms part of the Rapid Response Program developed by Art Jameel to support artists, curators, and writers in the MENA region. Dubai Culture took the initiative to support this initiative, with the aim of supporting the creative societies affected by this pandemic in the UAE, by inviting creative talents at the state level to apply and benefit from them. Eligible applications for financial grants were selected by an independent committee, according to specific criteria that take into account the originality of the project or work submitted, and the extent to which the applicant is affected by the current circumstances.

"Dubai Culture" and "Art Jameel" allocated 47 small financial grants, each ranging between 3,500 and 7,000 dirhams, and benefited more than 75 creative practitioners from the UAE. The platform reflected the unique cultural diversity that characterizes the UAE society, with artists from 47 different nationalities, 17 of which received grants; 70% of them are from the Emirate of Dubai, and 30% from the other Emirates, and citizens made up the largest percentage of the number of applicants and recipients of these grants.

It is noteworthy that the "Platform for Research and Art Practices" received 496 applications from artists belonging to more than 49 nationalities in the MENA region, 97 of whom received small financial grants.

Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said: “Through our joint efforts, we were able to allocate small financial grants to a good number of applicants, hoping that these grants would support the beneficiaries and at the same time play a role in spreading optimism among the artists. And enhance their confidence and hope in overcoming these difficult times, and getting out of them is stronger than before.

Badri added, "The exceptional circumstances that we are going through necessitate the unification of visions and concerted efforts to promote the creative industries in the country. This initiative has provided us with a valuable opportunity to reach those who are most in need of support, and to provide effective financing solutions that push them forward."

Antonia Carver, CEO of Art Jameel, said: “We are pleased with our partnership with Dubai Culture to provide rapid response funds to support creative people in the UAE and the region as a whole. The requests we received showed an evolution in talent and a diversity of ideas that reflect an artistic scene that is witnessing continuous development at the local and regional levels.

Elevating the cultural landscape

This cooperation with "Art Jameel" falls within the efforts of "Dubai Culture" to upgrade the creative scene of the emirate, and to enhance the interaction of community members with the cultural movement by stimulating creative talents to share their creative work, and spreading their spirit of hope and optimism in such difficult times that the world is currently going through. .

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