Innovative Playscape Commission Unveiled at Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai
In a collaborative effort, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Art Jameel have inaugurated the Jaddaf Playscape Commission at Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. The commission, titled “I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home,” was created by the UAE-based design collective Theories of Imagination (TOFI), consisting of artist-architect Noor Alwan and artist-designer Abdulla Buhijji.
TOFI secured the inaugural Jaddaf Playscape Commission in July 2023 through a rigorous selection process by an international jury. This initiative is part of Dubai Culture’s Dubai Public Art (DPA) program, enabling the creation and installation of public art by UAE-based artists. Art Jameel is a strategic curatorial partner, collaborating with entities like Art Dubai, Tashkeel, and Alserkal.
The large-scale sculptural structure, I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home, is situated in the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park adjacent to Jameel Arts Centre. Unveiled during the UAE’s sustainability festival, Down to Earth, the playscape is designed as an adventure playground, incorporating interactive elements rewarding play and creative imagination with rain showers, mist, and lights. The installation is open daily from 9 am to 11 pm, providing families with a unique and free recreational experience.
The design of the playscape draws inspiration from the Jaddaf area, seamlessly blending vernacular architectural patterns, local flora and fauna, and imaginative shapes. It pays homage to Jaddaf’s historical significance as a cultural crossroads, celebrating the diverse communities that have contributed to shaping Dubai, especially highlighting the area’s role as a boatyard and facilitator of trade and cross-cultural exchange.
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 distinctive cultural experience in the heart of Dubai. He highlighted the positive impact such installations can have on beautifying Dubai and fostering an increased appreciation for its creative offerings.
Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, commended the vibrant energy at the Jameel Arts Centre’s Sculpture Park and the synergy between play and learning. She congratulated TOFI on their original and deeply researched work, thanking Dubai Culture for their commitment to transforming Dubai through innovative contemporary public art.
The Jaddaf Playscape Commission, with its diverse jury of local and international art professionals, architects, and curators, creates a new space in Dubai for creative enjoyment, imagination, and play. It presents a significant opportunity for UAE-based artists, designers, architects, and collectives to contribute to the city’s artistic landscape. The commission is part of the DPA initiative, aimed at enabling public art installations and fostering creativity within the community. Art Jameel’s role as a curatorial partner focuses on commissioning a series of works for Dubai Creek, guided by deep research into specific sites and communities.
Source: https://www.godubai.com/citylife/press_release_page.asp?pr=176605
