Inaugural Jaddaf Playscape Commission Unveiled in Dubai
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Art Jameel have jointly launched the inaugural Jaddaf Playscape Commission titled “I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home” by the UAE-based design collective Theories of Imagination (TOFI). The installation, located at Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, is a large-scale sculptural structure and adventure playground that encourages interactive play and creative imagination.
The Jaddaf Playscape Commission is part of Dubai Culture’s Dubai Public Art (DPA) initiative, a multi-year program supporting the creation and installation of public art by UAE-based artists. Art Jameel is a curatorial partner in this initiative, working alongside Art Dubai, Tashkeel, and Alserkal.
The winning proposal by Theories of Imagination was selected through an Open Call, which received nearly 100 applications from artists and designers across the UAE. The playscape is situated in the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, adjacent to Jameel Arts Centre, and was launched during the UAE’s annual sustainability festival, Down to Earth.
“I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home” serves as an interactive playground where play and creative imagination are rewarded with rain showers, mist, and lights. The playscape, inspired by the history of Jaddaf as a cultural crossroads, combines vernacular architectural patterns, flora, and fauna with imaginative shapes and formats.
Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts & Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, expressed pride in the initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting creative expression and providing families with a unique cultural experience in the heart of Dubai. He sees the commission as a way to beautify Dubai and enhance the appreciation of its creative offerings.
Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, highlighted the synergy between play and learning, noting that the playscape encourages creative imaginative play. She congratulated TOFI on their deeply researched and original work, thanking Dubai Culture for transforming Dubai through innovative contemporary public art.
The Jaddaf Playscape Commission is a significant opportunity for UAE-based artists, designers, architects, and collectives to propose and create monumental, interactive, and playful public artworks. The commission is part of DPA, aiming to enable public art installations and foster creativity within the community. Art Jameel’s role as a curatorial partner focuses on commissioning works for Dubai Creek, informed by site- and community-specific research.
Source: : GoDubai.com
