Stepping into the vibrant realm of Jeddah’s Hayy Jameel Cultural Center, inaugurated in 2021, one feels the pulsating heartbeat of Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning cultural landscape. A testament to the Jameel Foundation’s unwavering dedication to championing artists and fostering creative communities, Hayy Jameel, meaning “neighborhood” in Arabic, epitomizes collaborative cultural growth.
Encompassing an expansive 17,000 m^2 area, Hayy Jameel is a harmonious blend of diverse artistic and creative endeavours. From art galleries showcasing rotating exhibitions to the country’s pioneering independent cinema, ‘Hayy Cinéma’, dedicated to arts and documentaries, the centre stands as a beacon for local talents. It provides a platform for budding filmmakers to showcase their cinematic creations, further enriching Saudi Arabia’s cinematic tapestry.
Designed by Ibda Design, the architectural masterpiece draws inspiration from Middle Eastern aesthetics. Shaded terraces seamlessly merge with a central courtyard, fostering an environment conducive to interdisciplinary collaborations. The building’s façades, serving as a “blank canvas”, await transformative art installations, while shared facilities, including theatres and event spaces, cater to an array of artistic expressions and community engagements.
Beyond its architectural grandeur, Hayy Jameel pulsates with life, hosting a myriad of organizations such as the Fennec Comedy Club and the Ayshe Pastry School. Fenaa Hayy, a versatile space, resonates with performances, workshops, and dialogues, while Saha, a community-centric courtyard, embodies principles of sustainability and adaptability.
Zohra Ait El Jamar, director of Hayy Cinema, encapsulates the centre’s transformative impact, stating, “The potential is enormous…Jeddah is different, a uniqueness palpable upon arrival.” Indeed, Hayy Jameel, under the aegis of Art Jameel, serves as an incubator, nurturing a diverse spectrum of creatives – from artists and filmmakers to playwrights and entrepreneurs – fostering a symbiotic relationship with their avid audiences.
In alignment with the vision of Saudi Vision 2030, Hayy Jameel heralds a new epoch for the Kingdom’s arts and creative sector. Its establishment is emblematic of the Jameel family’s 75-year philanthropic journey, epitomized by Fady Jameel, Chairman and Founder of Art Jameel. A luminary in the cultural realm, Jameel’s affiliations span prestigious institutions such as the Council for the Arts at MIT and international museum boards.
Art Jameel’s global footprint extends its philanthropic endeavours, partnering with esteemed institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In nurturing and amplifying creative communities across the Arab world, Art Jameel continues the Jameel family’s rich legacy, ensuring that art, in all its myriad forms, continues to flourish and resonate across continents.
In essence, Jeddah’s Hayy Jameel Cultural Center stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and culture, weaving a rich tapestry of narratives, fostering collaborations, and illuminating the path for future generations of creatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond.