serie architects plans jameel arts centre dubai for the UAE

the united arab emirates is set to receive another major cultural venue, with the unveiling of the ‘jameel arts centre dubai’. the 10,000 square meter institution has been designed by UK firm serie architects, and will open in 2018. located at the tip of dubai’s culture village, the project includes more than 1,000 square meters of dedicated gallery space, plus a 300 square meter research center. the complex also features additional flexible events spaces, including a roof terrace for film screenings, and an outdoor sculpture area.

all images courtesy of serie architects

the announcement was made by art jameel, a non-profit that supports cultural projects in the middle east. the organization simultaneously revealed that it is entering a long-term partnership with the metropolitan museum of art, which will enable the new york institution to acquire works by modern and contemporary artists from the middle east. art jameel is also developing an advisory curatorial council, which at this stage includes jessica morgan, director of the dia art foundation, and curator and writer murtaza vali, who is based between sharjah and new york.

a series of courtyards punctuate the design, with each space representing a desert environment

designed by serie architects, the three-storey ‘jameel arts centre dubai’ has been conceived as a hub for educational and research initiatives, while its wider programming embraces collaboration with local, regional, and international artists, curators, and organizations. a series of courtyards punctuate the design, with each space representing a distinct desert environment. anouk vogel is responsible for the project’s landscaping, which will include rare plants sourced from the UAE and around the world. in advance of the opening, the organization has opened a temporary space on dubai’s alserkal avenue.

anouk vogel is responsible for the project’s landscaping

‘we are delighted to be embarking on a new phase of development for art jameel — strengthening our programs in saudi arabia, across the arab world and internationally, as well as founding our first permanent space, the jameel arts centre dubai,’ said fady mohammed jameel, president of art jameel. ‘likewise, establishing a partnership with the metropolitan museum of art, one of the most-visited, encyclopedic museums in the world, allows us to further support contemporary artists from the region and share their work with a broad international public. we are proud to work closely with a number of partners to fulfill this important vision.’

the complex has been conceived as a hub for educational and research initiatives

‘this is an exciting moment for art jameel, as we embark on a dynamic period of growth and renewal, expanding programs and developing new partnerships,’ added antonia carver, director of art jameel, who was appointed last year. ‘we are on a journey of supporting the arts and heritage as we develop new programs of exhibition-making, and educational, research and publishing initiatives.’

the entrance to the 10,000 square meter institution