Jeddah: Art Jameel, the independent organization that supports artists and creative communities, announces Hayy Jameel’s new autumn 2024 programme, The season includes a group exhibition at Hayy Arts, an exciting film program at Hayy Cinema, a series of markets and symposia, new commissions and a robust lineup of community-focussed creative workshops and learning opportunities for all ages. This autumn also marks the launch of Hayy Makers, a dynamic space for artists with state-of-the-art facilities, accompanied by a diverse public programme.
Hayy Arts: A Hub for Local and International Artists
Hayy Arts, the exhibition space operated by Art Jameel, continues to be a focal point of the creative hub, hosting curated museum-style exhibitions that feature both Saudi and international artists. These exhibitions tackle themes of both local and global importance, underscoring Hayy Jameel’s role as a cultural bridge.
Upcoming Exhibition: ‘We Saw an Endless Cycle’
Opening on November 27, 2024, the group exhibition “We Saw an Endless Cycle” will occupy both floors of Hayy Arts and runs until April 19, 2025. The exhibition brings together a diverse range of artworks and archival materials, exploring the dynamic relationship between urban environments and the intimate human gestures that shape our lives, such as walking, mapping, and recording, expressed through various artistic mediums.
Ongoing Exhibitions
The solo exhibition “Moving Mountains” by Saudi artist Ahaad Alamoudi remains a highlight of Hayy Jameel’s autumn program, running until October 26, 2024. This exhibition explores Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and cultural transformations through contemporary artworks that reflect the country’s evolving urban and natural landscapes. The exhibition is accompanied by a series of talks, screenings, and discussions, scheduled for October 18, 2024, offering audiences deeper insights into the societal changes depicted.
Additionally, the exhibition “Salt-Kissed: Of Vessels That Have Sailed The Red Sea” will remain open until October 26, 2024. This exhibition highlights the Red Sea’s relationship with its environment and surrounding communities, blending archival materials and artworks that emphasize traditional crafts and contemporary trade routes. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the cultural heritage of the Red Sea, a significant element of the region’s history.
Hayy Cinema: A Destination for Independent Film Lovers
Hayy Cinema, Saudi Arabia’s first independent cinema and audio-visual center, continues to offer an array of critically acclaimed films, both local and international. This autumn, the cinema will screen titles such as Back to Alexandria (2023), starring Lebanese actor and director Nadine Labaki, Fremont (2023) by Iranian-British director Babak Jalal, and The Apprentice (2024) which delves into Donald Trump’s early years in the 1980s.
In addition, Hayy Cinema will launch Horror Week from October 23 to November 3, presenting an exciting lineup of horror films from around the world. Collaborating with Cinema Mirkaz, Hayy Cinema is offering monthly screenings, discussions, and workshops focused on the theory, history, and cultural significance of cinema.
Hayy Cinema will also participate in the third edition of the “My Heritage Documentary Competition” from October 24 to 31. This competition, organized by the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage and the Heritage Commission in Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with UNESCO and Sustainable Tourism Management in the Arab Region. will award the winner from the MENA region an exclusive field trip to Asir, where they will document the region’s rich cultural heritage through a compelling documentary film.
Community Engagement Through Hayy Learning and Jameel Library
Aligned with Art Jameel’s philosophy of lifelong learning, Hayy Explorers, the art studio and makerspace for children and youth, will continue offering workshops, hands-on experimentation, after-school clubs, and special programs developed in collaboration with art educators, artists, and creatives.
The Jameel Library at Hayy Jameel, known for its extensive multilingual collection on cinema, visual arts, and Jeddah’s cultural heritage, remains a a vibrant space for learning, community programming, and workshops.
Upcoming Events and Festivals
The upcoming Hayy Markets, scheduled for November 22-23, will offer a vibrant, camel-themed, family-friendly experience in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. The market will feature local producers and vendors, presenting a diverse array of handcrafts, textiles, and art items. Local partners such as Azka Farms will return with fresh produce, while Nafisa Shams will showcase a collection of rare and unique products.
Following this, the weekend of November 29-30 will present a dynamic program of films, live readings, and talks, highlighting Sudanese music and poetry in the program On Song, Poetry, and Community, featuring performances by Sudanese artists.
In January 2025, the season will continue with Hayy Matsuri, the second cultural Japanese festival at Hayy Jameel, blending tradition and modernity through experimental performances, and introducing innovative musical inventions from Japan in a fresh perspective.
