Art Jameel, in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, has launched the third edition of the Arts Research and Practice Platform, a programme that continues to evolve in response to regional changes and the growing needs of the cultural and creative sector.
The initiative forms part of the Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The portfolio aims to strengthen Dubai’s creative ecosystem, enhance its ability to respond to challenges, and support talents and professionals across various creative fields. It also contributes to the sustainable growth of the sector as an important part of Dubai’s creative economy.
The portfolio is built around five main pillars: cultural infrastructure, creative production, participation and audiences, talent development, and cultural impact. It targets cultural and creative institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, artistic talents, and independent practitioners.
Small, Rapid-Response Grants for Creatives
First launched in 2020, the Arts Research and Practice Platform was designed as a small, rapid-response grant programme to support creative practitioners in Dubai and the wider UAE, helping them meet practical and professional needs.
The programme is considered one of the leading initiatives of its kind in the country. In its latest edition, it provides total funding of AED 1.5 million, distributed across 150 small grants, with each grant valued at AED 10,000.
The grants are open to Emirati and UAE-based creative practitioners, with no specific mandatory requirements imposed on recipients. This flexible approach allows selected applicants to use the support in ways that best serve their projects, creative practices, research, and cultural or artistic production.
Applications are now open to individuals, small groups, and collaborative practices, with submissions accepted until 31 July. A panel of experts and practitioners will review the applications and select the successful projects according to criteria that reflect the nature of the UAE’s cultural landscape and the objectives of the initiative.
A Supportive Network for Selected Applicants
Successful applicants will become part of the Arts Research and Practice Platform network, giving them access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and connections with other practitioners and cultural institutions.
They will also be able to take part in future programmes and initiatives. In addition, the platform offers opportunities for all applicants, whether selected for funding or not, to join related events, including Art Jameel’s annual Creative Careers Assembly, which brings together practitioners, institutions, and sector specialists from across the UAE.
Strengthening Dubai’s Cultural Readiness
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, said the Arts Research and Practice Platform represents one of the practical pathways supporting the goals of the Creative Sector Resilience Portfolio. She noted that the platform helps raise the readiness of Dubai’s cultural sector and strengthens its ability to adapt to rapid changes.
She added that the initiative reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to creating an encouraging environment for the creative community and entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, professional development, and meaningful opportunities that help creatives continue their work and expand their projects.
Al Suwaidi also highlighted that the platform’s value lies in its ability to respond to the needs of creative practitioners in Dubai and the UAE. Through small grants, the programme helps them develop ideas, complete projects, exchange knowledge, and build lasting professional relationships, contributing to the enrichment of the cultural scene.
Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, said the Arts Research and Practice Platform has continued to develop since its launch in 2020, responding to the transformations and challenges that have become part of today’s cultural work.
She added that the initiative is built on a shared belief with Dubai Culture that the sustainability of the cultural sector begins with supporting the local creative community. Investing in environments that encourage collaboration and care, she said, helps preserve the vitality, flexibility, and future readiness of creative practices.
Wide Range of Creative Disciplines
The programme welcomes applications from cultural and creative practitioners working across a wide range of fields. These include visual arts, multidisciplinary practices, design, illustration, architecture, photography, filmmaking, writing, publishing, research, music, performing arts, cultural production, curating, digital and emerging media, fashion, crafts, and material-based practices.
