The new 17,000-sq-m Hayy: Creative Hub in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aims to be a community-based incubator for contemporary art, comedy, theater, and filmmaking.
Art Jameel, an organisation that supports heritage, education and the arts, has announced that its new 17,000-sq-m Hayy: Creative Hub in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aims to be a community-based incubator for contemporary art, comedy, theater, and filmmaking. The three-story development, which will open in 2019, is designed by Dubai-based architecture firm ibda design.
Construction on the major new cultural hub started last year, according to media reports.
The name Hayy is derived from the Arabic word for neighbourhood. Hayy: Creative Hub, developed and funded by Art Jameel, aims to bring together and nurture Saudi Arabian artists, playwrights, photographers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and others, along with the enthusiastic audiences that support them.
Programming will include a digital hub for upcoming Saudi Arabian producers and directors; a professional theatre plus performance spaces; and a rolling programme of educational events for all ages.
Commenting on the initiative, Fady Mohammed Jameel, President of Art Jameel, said: We are delighted to support our home, Saudi Arabia, and its fast-growing cultural scene through the development of Hayy: Creative Hub, which is set to become a base for Saudi Arabian talent, and help nurture a new generation of creatives, in addition to providing job opportunities and training. The concept has been honed over many years: the team at Art Jameel has worked not only with the brilliant architects ibda design, but also a range of community partners to develop the Hub as a truly innovative destination. Hayy: Creative Hub reflects Art Jameel and Community Jameels commitment to supporting creativity and entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia and beyond, and we look forward to opening the Hub in spring 2019 with our partners in this community-wide initiative.
Established in 2003, as the arts branch of the Jameel Familys philanthropy, Art Jameel has maintained offices and programmes in both Dubai and Jeddah since its founding. The organisation will also open the Jameel Arts Centre, which will focus on research and organising exhibitions, in Dubai later this year.
