Art Jameel, an independent organization that supports arts, education and heritage in the Middle East and beyond, Wednesday launched the Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform, a rapid-response scheme offering artists support through the allocation of micro-fees towards their ongoing or new projects. Artists, writers, curators and researchers based in the Middle East and North Africa can apply online in three cycles, from April 1, 2020, through June 7, 2020. The first deadline is April 10, allowing for a prompt response to those most in need. The Platform recognizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on independent creatives and aims to play a role — alongside other organisations and colleagues in the field — in supporting the sector at this time of great challenges for all. The Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform aims to support up to 50 practitioners in their development of existing work, as they embark on new projects from home, or adapt their practices and ways of working to the current environment. The scheme invites practitioners to apply via a simple online form; proposals are considered by an independent jury, working to pre-set criteria, and according to three cycles with deadlines of April 10, April 30 and June 7; and the allocations are then distributed to eligible applicants. "With colleagues in the public and private sector, we've been following and discussing the impact that the global health crisis might be having on artists and the creative community in general," said Antonia Carver, director, Art Jameel. "We felt Art Jameel's response could include contributing to efforts to support artists and other independent practitioners — aware that many live project-to-project, and are impacted significantly by the cancelation or postponement of events, locally and globally. The team at Art Jameel has worked really hard to come up with a rapid-response scheme that contributes, even if on a micro level, to keeping artists afloat during these tough times," she added. Applicants are encouraged to apply via an online application form, launched Wednesday and open through June 7, 2020 (with interim deadlines on April 10 and 30). The simple application form requests information on the project in question, and the practitioner's past experience and current situation. The Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform is open to all independent artists, curators, writers and researchers based in the Middle East and North Africa region. Application forms can be found online at the Art Jameel website in both Arabic and English. — SG
