Jameel House’s acclaimed traditional arts programme in Jeddah invites Artists and enthusiasts to apply
Applications close on April 12, 2020
Newsgate360 – Jeddah: Art Jameel, an independent organisation that supports arts, education and heritage in the Middle East and beyond, today announces that the Jameel House of Traditional Arts in Jeddah is receiving applications for the fifth year of the traditional arts programme in the heart of Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district.
The one-year-long programme, taught by expert tutors from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London, and local master-craftspeople from Jeddah, offers the unique opportunity to study design principles and develop craft skills inspired by the art and architecture of Al-Balad and the wider rich cultural heritage of Jeddah.
Participants graduate from the programme with a deep understanding of both the principles and practical application of the traditional arts, furthering opportunities for careers in the arts, heritage conservation, architectural preservation and the creative industries. At the end of the programme, they are awarded
a prestigious Foundation Certificate by the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts.
The one-year programme includes modules in traditional Islamic geometry, nabati ornaments, decorative painting methods and colour harmony, woodwork, ceramics, gypsum-carving and other traditional crafts. Starting in 2019, a new module focused on product design was introduced to nurture participants interested in careers as craft entrepreneurs, interior designers, graphic designers, and other creative industries. Throughout the year, participants will be invited to join in significant arts festivals in Saudi Arabia, including exhibitions, workshops and open studios, and opportunities to volunteer at schools and in workshops for children and the local community.
All participants will complete the programme with a final project, and all works will be displayed in an end of year-exhibition at the Jameel House. The current cohort’s final show will open on April 21, 2020.
Founded in 2015 by Art Jameel, in partnership with the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and the Arts and with the one-year programme designed and delivered by the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, the Jameel House of Traditional Arts in Jeddah has established itself as a centre for artisanship, architectural discourse and heritage preservation.
All applicants who wish to apply to the upcoming programme are invited to complete a short form available on the website. Applications will close on April 12, 2020. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to bring a portfolio of their work to an interview conducted by tutors from the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, held at the Jameel House of Traditional Arts in Jeddah on April 21 and 22, 2020. Around 15 participants will be accepted onto the programme.
