Hayy Jameel Jeddah: A New Perception Of Art Spaces In KSA
The art complex recently opened its doors in Saudi Arabia, serving as as a multidisciplinary hub for all art enthusiasts
Following the success story of Art Jameel in Dubai, Hayy Jameel is now opening in Jeddah, whereby the new complex opening coincides with Jameel family’s celebration of 75 years of charity and social activities, rendering this centre a step aligned with the new cultural era of Saudi Arabia.
Here Bazaar Arabia shares everything you need to know about the latest art complex.
Hayy Jameel… For Jeddah By Jeddah
Hayy Jameel, the 17000-square-metre creative complex, aims to become a community destination in Jeddah for a wide range of creative disciplines, all in one place. The art complex includes an art gallery for artists to showcase their work, a cinema hall for films produced in KSA, and spaces available for rent for a number of local companies and establishments such as Athr Gallery and Homegrown Market for fashion, among others.
The White Distinct Building
Located in one of the residential districts of Jeddah, Hayy Jameel’s white building was designed by award-winning Wai Wai architectural studio, with a facade that is decorated with a lively colourful artwork commissioned to Saudi artist Nasser Melhem.
Antonia Carver, the director of Art Jameel, underlined that the selection of Hayy Jameel’s location was extremely significant, as it is located in a residential are to be closer to the people and to enable them to get together and express their interests in art in Saudi Arabia.
A Season of Celebrations At Hayy Jameel
Hayy Jameel’s opening season starts December 6, 2021, with a focus on visual arts, including Noor Al Riyadh Gallery that showcases a number of the art works displayed in Noor Riyadh event held last March.
Additionally, the “Hayy Museum” at Hayy Arts kicks off with a gallery co-curated by Rahul Gudipudi from Art Jameel and Dani Burrows. The Gallery “Staple: What’s on Your Plate?” showcases 21 art works, including seven new research commissions developed at the “Food Lab”, which was operationalised last year.
“A Model Cheerful Society”
This is the perfect description of Hayy Jameel as worded by Sara Al Omran, the Deputy Director of Art Jameel. In describing her personal connection to art, she says “I see art as a field that enriches people’s lives in a different way, creating spaces for discussing various topics that go even beyond the scope of art”.“The establishment of this Hayy required several negotiations with artists to discuss their interests and thoughts in order to be able to create a cultural environment that positively enriches society and contributes to the growth and upskilling of artists.”
Sara has been working with Hayy Jameel for four years now, during which she witnessed the impressive development of arts in Saudi. “Art has a rich history in KSA, particularly in Jeddah. Yet, we have seen a fundamental leap in attention and investment in the culture and arts sectors after the launch of Vision 2030, not to mention the great efforts of the Ministry of Culture since its inception.”
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