Research and Practice Platform (2023)
Aligned with the UAE’s Year of Sustainability and COP28 taking place in Dubai, Art Jameel and Dubai Culture are delighted to introduce the second iteration of the Research and Practice Platform. The programme aims to support innovative arts projects that actively respond to the climate emergency – in intent, theme, practice and/or process. With a specific focus on providing opportunities for UAE-based artists and creative practitioners, this edition of the Research and Practice Platform is launched in collaboration with Al Quoz Creative Zone, a comprehensive ecosystem in Dubai for creatives, practitioners, and entrepreneurs.
This programme builds on the success of the 2020 Research and Practice Platform, which was developed and managed by Art Jameel, with support from Dubai Culture, and responded to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the cultural sector. With the Research and Practice Platform 2023-24, we aim to continue in our joint commitment to supporting and nurturing the artistic and cultural landscape of Dubai and the UAE.
The Research and Practice Platform invites UAE-based individual artists and creative practitioners and small-scale collectives to submit proposals that meaningfully engage with the climate emergency.
Deadline to apply: January 15, 2024
The programme aims to
Grants
The Research and Practice Platform awards grants of AED 3,600 ($1000) to AED 22,000 ($6000) to individual artists and collectives working on climate-related projects and proposals in the UAE.
Timeline
Applications are accepted from October 4, 2023 to January 15, 2024 (23:59 GST).
Applications will be assessed and awarded through a rigorous open call and assessment process, with an independent jury made up of established practitioners and experts who are familiar with the UAE cultural ecosystem and the nature of such programmes and collaborations.
Successful applicants will be contacted and awarded directly in February 2024, ahead of the list of grantees being announced publicly in March 2024.
In the spirit of discretion during the application review process, the names and identities of the members of the committee may be withheld at least until its conclusion.
Projects are expected to be completed by 15 December 2024.
The application is to be submitted via an online form that can be found below. Applications can be submitted in English or Arabic.
While all applicants will receive an acknowledgement that their application has been received, only successful applicants will be contacted.
Please make sure you have carefully read the eligibility criteria and FAQs in the link [here] prior to submitting your application.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be based in the UAE at the time of application.
**Applying from outside the UAE? Please note that Art Jameel and the British Council have launched a parallel programme specifically designed for practitioners and organisations based in the MENA region. Please apply for Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform [here]
Applicants should demonstrate that they are active in and committed to their local creative communities
Applicants should demonstrate integrity of purpose and originality of thinking in their work in general and in the projects they are proposing
Applicants should prioritise sustainable practices in their proposals, aiming for their projects to minimise environmental impact and work towards carbon neutrality.
Apply for Research and Practice Platform [here]
Research and Practice Platform (2020)
In response to the challenges that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the arts and creative sector, Art Jameel introduced the inaugural edition of the Research and Practice Platform. The programme was primarily aimed at those who worked on a per-project basis and whose practices had been affected by programme cancellations and project changes, both locally and globally. The micro-fees offered through the platform were intended to further the development of ongoing and upcoming research and projects over the following months. The programme was open to all practitioners based in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Art Jameel received a total of 496 applications and awarded a total of 97 allocations to individuals and Collectives.
The Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform awarded micro-fees ranging from £1000 to £2000; some projects showing exceptional scope and need were awarded an extended allocation of up to £3000 (based on the budget given in the application and jury discretion).
Programme Objectives:
