The Bulletin bringing you the latest highlights in the art world
January 2025
The AlMusalla Prize is an international competition to design a Musalla, a space for prayer and contemplation, located at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The winning team, EAST Architecture Studio, was chosen from a shortlist of prominent architects. Their design, On Weaving, inspired by textile artist Anni Albers, emphasises sustainability, modularity, and post-Biennale longevity. The structure uses locally sourced date palm fronds and fibres, transforming waste into a sustainable material. The design honours weaving traditions and craftsmanship, with vibrant interior colours and a welcoming courtyard for visitors, combining structure, function, and ornament in a harmonious space.
The Marcel Duchamp Prize 2025 nominees—Bianca Bondi (1986, Mor Charpentier), Eva Nielsen (1983, Peter Kilchmann / The Pill), Lionel Sabatté (1975, Ceysson & Bénétière), and Xie Lei (1983, Semiose)—have been selected by the ADIAF collectors’ committee after a rigorous process. This edition marks a pivotal change as the exhibition moves from the Centre Pompidou, undergoing renovation, to the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris. Running from 26 September 2025 to 22 February 2026, the exhibition aligns with a five-year partnership between ADIAF, the Centre Pompidou, and Paris Musées. The winner, chosen by an international jury, will be announced on 23 October 2025 during Paris Art Week. Endowed with €90,000, the Prize is a cornerstone of contemporary art, supporting artists through exhibitions, residencies, and international opportunities. Since 2000, it has celebrated artists who have achieved global acclaim.
Gaza Biennale Artist Raises Funds for Art Supplies to Support Palestinian Children
Ahmed Muhanna, an artist in the Gaza Biennale, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise €50,000 ($52,000) for art supplies to support Palestinian children through art therapy. Muhanna, who leads art therapy sessions in refugee shelters, highlights the scarcity and high cost of materials in Gaza, with a single project for 20 children costing $300. He emphasises the importance of art for children to express their hopes and cope with fear and trauma caused by war. Other initiatives, like the Witness and Memory Initiative and Refugee Alliance International, are also fundraising to provide art supplies, therapy, and support for displaced children.
Dubai Design District (d3) inaugurates ‘Daoun’ exhibition
Dubai Design District (d3), presents “Daoun,” an installation for Dubai Lights during the 30th Dubai Shopping Festival. Located between Buildings 4 and 6, this interactive display features three inflatable towers, 4.5 to 7 meters tall, illuminated nightly with dynamic LED patterns. Crafted from durable materials, Daoun draws inspiration from Emirati palm frond weaving, a traditional craft used to create homes and tools. Celebrating local heritage and resilience, this installation exemplifies d3’s role as a global creative hub. Dubai Lights runs until 12 January 2025, delighting visitors with its vibrant artistry.
Open Call for Dancers for Telescope Beirut 2025
Dancers and choreographers are invited to apply for Telescope Beirut, a week-long creative lab held from April 4 to 10, 2025, in Beirut, Lebanon, as part of the SHIFT project, funded by the European Commission.
This unique program offers mentorship, workshops, and open presentations, encouraging experimentation and reimagining performance practices. Participants will explore creating for unconventional spaces, guided by local and international experts, to expand skills, foster connections, and inspire ecological approaches to performance.
Applications close on January 31, 2025. Eligible artists must submit an ongoing project, and past work videos, and meet specified criteria.
Art Jameel’s Hayy Matsuri 2025 Celebrates 70 Years of Saudi-Japanese Friendship
Hayy Matsuri returns to Hayy Jameel in Jeddah from January 9 to 11, 2025, under the theme ‘Saudi Celebrates Japan,’ marking 70 years of Saudi-Japanese diplomatic relations. Organised by Art Jameel in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and the Consulate-General of Japan, the festival is free and open to all. It features over 30 participants, live performances, workshops, film screenings, cosplay, and more. Highlights include renowned Japanese and Saudi artists, interactive crafts, an open market, and traditional culinary experiences. Hayy Matsuri offers a vibrant fusion of cultures, celebrating creativity and the enduring bond between Saudi Arabia and Japan.
Last Call: Louvre Abu Dhabi Fellowship and Grants Program 2025
The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Fellowship and Grants Program closes on 10 January 2025. This initiative fosters innovative research in art history, museum studies, collection studies, and heritage science. The program is centred on three themes: the Global History of Museums and Collections, Circulation of Styles and Texts, and Precious Materials and Trade Routes. Participants gain access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Conservation Center and Scientific Laboratory. Launched in 2024, the program offers research opportunities, symposiums, and collaborations with partner institutions, advancing art scholarship and empowering the global artistic community.
Diriyah Art Futures Launches as Middle East’s First New Media Art Hub
Diriyah Art Futures (DAF), the Middle East’s first hub for new media art, has launched an innovative exhibition, dynamic events, and programs blending art and technology. Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diriyah, DAF honours the region’s heritage while fostering cutting-edge creativity. Its debut exhibition, Art Must Be Artificial: Perspectives of AI in the Visual Arts, curated by Dr. Jérôme Neutres, showcases works from the pioneers of digital art to contemporary innovators like Lulwah Al Homoud and Miguel Chevalier. Upcoming events include a robotics masterclass and a sound performance by Haythem Zakaria. DAF’s initiatives, including its Emerging New Media Artists Programme and Mazra’ah Media Art Residency, empower artists and scholars with mentorship, resources, and international exposure, establishing Saudi Arabia as a cultural leader in new media art.
Fashion Futures Dubai 2025 Showcasing Sustainability in Luxury Fashion
Fashion Futures Dubai, debuting on 6 February 2025 at Dubai Design District (d3) in collaboration with Vogue Business, will convene global luxury leaders, innovators, and policymakers to address sustainability in fashion. This event follows Dubai Fashion Week (1-6 February) and is part of a global series spotlighting innovation in London, Shanghai, and New York.
Keynotes, panels, and exhibitions will showcase solutions in manufacturing, technology, and design, fostering cross-industry collaboration. Anchored by Dubai’s thriving creative ecosystem, the summit aligns with the Dubai Design Strategy 2033 to advance sustainable luxury and solidify the city’s status as a global design hub.