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  Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Proposals 43 days left

Curatorial Open Call for exhibition proposals

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Art Jameel Curatorial Open Call – Exhibition Proposals for Hayy Arts, Jeddah

Location: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Event Dates: May 2026 (Exhibition), with additional scoping and installation visits
Application Period:

  • Open: 23 February 2025
  • Close: 25 April 2025
  • Winner Announcement: May 2025

Art Jameel invites curators from around the world to submit exhibition proposals for the first-floor gallery at Hayy Arts at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, scheduled for May 2026. This open call seeks proposals that engage with themes related to the Red Sea—its ecologies, histories of migration, connected geographies (e.g. Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Palestine, Jordan), Hejazi histories, architectural narratives, trade, and culinary traditions.

Role Overview

The awarded curator will collaborate closely with the Art Jameel team, which will provide guidance on exhibition development, production and design, logistics, and installation. The selected curator will act as the main point of contact, liaising with artists and the institution and participating in interviews (virtually or in-person in Jeddah) throughout the exhibition run.

Deliverables

  • Exhibition Proposal:
    • A full concept for a group or solo exhibition to be installed in the first-floor gallery of Hayy Arts in May 2026.
    • Include a checklist of loan-able works (subject to Art Jameel’s input and logistical constraints).
  • Curatorial Essay:
    • A text of 3,000-5,000 words exploring the exhibition’s themes and relevance.
  • Captions & Interpretive Texts:
    • Develop accompanying texts that explain and contextualize the works.
  • Public Programming Proposal:
    • A proposal for 2-3 public programs related to the exhibition concept.
  • Additional Materials:
    • Brief Curatorial Statement (working title, up to 200 words).
    • Detailed exhibition proposal (approx. 600-1,000 words).
    • Prior research/literature review (up to 800 words).
    • Checklist of proposed works (with images, title, date, medium, technical requirements, lender).
    • Artist list and bios.
    • One writing sample.
    • CV highlighting relevant experience.

Eligibility

  • Open to curators worldwide whose research and exhibition making engage with topics such as:
    • Red Sea ecologies
    • Histories of migration and movement of people/ideas
    • Connected geographies across the Red Sea (e.g., Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Palestine, Jordan)
    • Hejazi histories
    • Architectural histories of the Red Sea
    • Histories of trade, food, etc.
  • For Saudi/Saudi-based curators: Must be able to obtain a freelance permit (or equivalent).
  • Minimum of 3 years of exhibition-making or related experience.
  • Collectives are welcome to apply.
  • Applicants must not include their own artwork in the exhibition proposal.
  • Must be available for travel to Jeddah for:
    • One scoping visit (up to 3 days) between November and December 2025.
    • On-site collaboration for up to two weeks between January and March 2026.
    • Installation and exhibition opening support for up to two weeks in April/May 2026.
    • Possible de-installation support for up to one week in September 2026.

Award Details

  • Curatorial Fee: 37,500 SAR (subject to additional funding if available).
  • Travel & Accommodation: Covered by Art Jameel for the curator; artist fees, travel, and accommodation are also covered by Art Jameel.
  • All exhibition production, installation, and promotional costs will be covered by Art Jameel.