Deadline: 10 June 2020
Through an Open Call, Art Jameel is inviting artists to respond to the brief for this exciting opportunity – specifically, artists from or based in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey and those around the world (regardless of nationality) who have sustained and demonstrable links to, and a meaningful understanding of, the wider ‘Middle East region’.
The third round of Art Jameel Commissions aims to support the production of a digital artwork that will live online, on the Jameel Art Centre website, for audiences to engage with, regardless of where they may be. Jameel Arts Centre has a long-term focus on reaching out to audiences beyond its physical location, aware that for many in the Middle East and South Asia, travel can be a luxury.
In addition, 2020 is proving to be a year where many artists and arts institutions find themselves ‘on pause’, while audiences are more reliant than ever on engaging with art and with each other online.
The commission also presents an opportunity to rethink and reboot understanding of “digital art” and the ways in which it can question, investigate and form meaningful connections and experiences that explore this theme. How can the commission be used to bridge stronger connections between communities? Can the digital realm act as a primary medium through which to explore the urgent questions we face today? What does it mean to formally innovate in the digital realm?.
This commission is primarily interested in art and ideas, rather than technological hard or software – but the proposed work should be imagined with and through the platforms in question. The Commission is open to any medium that can be easily navigated online, including but not limited to augmented reality, apps, online platforms and multimedia works.
Award Information
- The winning commission will be awarded a prize of USD 7,500. An additional dedicated production budget will be allocated to the winning artist to cover:
- All materials and production costs necessary for the production of the work, not to exceed USD 10,000-15,000
- Travel and accommodation to travel to Jameel Arts Centre during the exhibition period to participate in one public programme.
Benefits
Art Jameel will provide:
- Curatorial support to the commissioned artist regarding the production of the work, both during the production process and during launch
- Technical mentorship and support, delivered in collaboration with MIT’s Jameel World Education Lab (J-WEL), an initiative that engages educators, creatives, technologists, policymakers, societal leaders through online and in-person collaborations, workshops, research, and information-sharing events. Through this mentoring opportunity, the selected artist will be able to problem-solve their concept and work with experts to think about how best to use technology to engage with audiences via dedicated online feedback sessions and critiques. The long-distance mentoring and advice sessions will be conducted online or via written correspondence.
Eligibility Criteria
The commission is open to artists who:
- Demonstrate some experience with working to commission
- Demonstrate an ability to create a work that is compelling and suitable for online public viewing
- Have a proven track record of adhering to budgets and deadlines
- Are of any nationality or age and have links to, and a grasp of, the environmental and cultural nuances of the location and the wider Middle Eastern region. Artists may be from or based in the Middle East, North Africa or Turkey — either living in the region or diaspora — and/or engaged in contributing to the various cultural scenes of the region
- Possess the ability to compose a work that either uses digital media, technology or its derivatives as the primary technique and embraces visual/aural ideas or concepts that are wholly original, dynamic, carefully considered and contextually-appropriate.
- Have the background to maintain and/or troubleshoot the artwork during its production and exhibition
Criteria
Submissions should:
- Stand out conceptually, artistically and technically
- Engage meaningfully with a broad, contemporary audience base
- Provide a compelling and experiential focal point within the Jameel Arts Centre’s digital platforms
- Meet the deadlines of the application and production process, and of launch around Autumn/Winter 2020
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A summary of their area of interest in 250 words
- A concept proposal (up to 500 words)
- A bio (up to 150 words)
- A one-page CV highlighting relevant experience
- Supporting visuals and/or audio files: Sketches, drawings, moodboards, storyboards, video clips, sound bites or background thinking (up to 10)
- Samples of previous works (PDF portfolio)
- Draft production budget breakdown ranging from USD10,000-15,000 depending on the scale, format and mediums being utilised
- A one-page preliminary breakdown of the hardware and software needed to realise your concept and ensure its compatibility with continually changing technologies (PDF)
For more information, visit https://jameelartscentre.org/programmes/art-jameel-commissions/