Art Jameel invites proposals for an upcoming exhibition at Hayy Arts’s first-floor gallery in Hayy Jameel, Jeddah, scheduled for May 2024. Curators worldwide are encouraged to submit applications for this exciting opportunity.
Engaging Red Sea Themes
We seek proposals that explore the geography and history of Hayy Jameel’s location, with a focus on themes connected to the Red Sea. These encompass intertwined geographies, historical narratives, ecological factors, and the dynamic movement of both people and ideas.
Collaborative Curatorial Work
The selected curator will collaborate closely with the Art Jameel team. They will provide invaluable guidance throughout the exhibition’s various stages, including development, production, design, logistics, and installation.
Eligibility Criteria
This opportunity is open to curators globally whose research and exhibition projects center on the following areas:
- Histories of Jeddah and Hejaz
- Ecological aspects of the Red Sea
- Migration histories around the Red Sea, encompassing the movement of people and ideas
- Interconnected geographies across the Red Sea region (e.g., Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Palestine, Jordan)
For curators based in Saudi Arabia, the ability to obtain a freelance permit or its equivalent is required. Preference will be given to early-career curators, defined as those with limited institutional curatorial experience or less than 3-5 years post-graduation. Collectives are also encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Applicants must be available for the following commitments:
- A scoping visit to Jeddah (up to 3 days) between November and December 2023
- Collaboration with the team for up to two weeks between January 2023 and March 2024
- Installation and opening of the exhibition for up to two weeks in late April and early May 2024
- Optional exhibition de-installation period in early August 2024
Deliverables
The chosen curator will be responsible for:
- Crafting an exhibition concept for the first-floor gallery at Hayy Arts in May 2024
- Developing a comprehensive exhibition concept, including a loanable works checklist
- Creating a curatorial essay (3,000-5,000 words)
- Acting as the main contact point for artists’ communication
- Drafting captions and interpretive texts
- Proposing 2-3 public programs related to the exhibition concept
- Being available for interviews, either virtually or in-person in Jeddah, during the exhibition run
Application Requirements
To apply, curators are required to submit:
- A concise Curatorial Statement, including a working title (up to 200 words)
- A detailed exhibition proposal explaining the concept’s relevance to Hayy Jameel’s mission and programming (approximately 600-1,000 words)
- Prior research and literature review (up to 800 words)
- Proposed works checklist, subject to Art Jameel’s input and feasibility considerations
- Artist list and bios
- One writing sample
- CV highlighting pertinent experience
Award Details
Successful applicants will receive:
- A curatorial fee of 37,500 SAR
- Curator’s travel and accommodation expenses covered by Art Jameel
- Artists’ fees, travel, and accommodation expenses covered by Art Jameel
- Comprehensive coverage of exhibition-related costs, including production, installation, and promotion
Timeline
- Open Call Applications Start: August 4, 2023
- Open Call Closes: October 15, 2023
- Winner Announcement: Early November 2023
- Check-in meetings with team: December 2023 – March 2024
- Installation & Build: April 22 – May 6, 2024
- Exhibition opening: May 8, 2024
- Exhibition closing: August 11, 2024
Apply now for this exciting curatorial opportunity!
