The Hayy Jameel Facade Commission: Calling All Saudi Artists to Reimagine Jeddah’s Art Building Facade
The Hayy Jameel Facade Commission is seeking new and established artists in Saudi Arabia to transform the facade of the Hayy Jameel art building in Jeddah. This initiative, now in its fourth year and third open call process, aims to spark conversations between the complex, the local community, and the public at large.
Fostering Public Art and Creativity
Antonia Carver, director of Art Jameel, emphasized the importance of art in public life, stating, “Through this annual commission, we provide a platform for mid-career artists to create large-scale, imaginative works that will be prominently displayed in Jeddah for around 10 months.” Artists are encouraged to consider the site-specific nature of the project, technical requirements, and sustainability aspects to minimize the artwork’s carbon footprint.
Opportunity for Saudi Artists
The commission is open to all Saudi and Saudi-based artists and collectives, with at least one member required to be a Saudi citizen or resident if applying as a collective. Selected artists will receive a work fee and a production budget managed by Art Jameel. A jury of local and international art professionals will choose a winning artwork for production.
Submission Requirements and Deadline
Applicants must submit a concept statement (200-500 words), up to four sketches and diagrams, and an estimated production schedule through the application portal. The deadline for facade submissions has been extended to May 1, with the launch scheduled for October. The public viewing period will run from October 2024 to September 2025.
Previous Works and Artists
Previous artworks displayed on the building have featured talented artists like Nasser Al-Mulhim, Tamara Kalo, Mohammad Al-Faraj, and Dr. Zahrah Al-Ghamdi. The Hayy Jameel Facade Commission continues to showcase the creativity and innovation of Saudi artists on a prominent platform in Jeddah.