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Jameel Library is an open contemporary arts research centre dedicated to cultural histories of the Gulf and its neighbouring regions, located at the heart of the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. The growing multimedia library collection features books, journals, catalogues, theses, artists’ files and ephemera in English, Arabic and other languages.
Jameel Library collection
Jameel Library’s collection focuses on making accessible the knowledge embedded in arts and culture, enabling the construction of multiple narratives and making visible the fluidity of these ideas. Key content subjects include: exhibition histories; pedagogy and alternative arts education projects; contemporary discourse and theory from and about the region; and selected artists’ monographs and mapped journeys of practice and influence.
In addition to the main collection, the library also includes a Special and Ephemera Collection, Artists Files, digital resources including eBooks and online subscriptions.
Search the library catalogue here.
Access the eBook collection here.
Access JSTOR subscriptions (on Library premises only).
Access ArtReview, ArtReview Asia and Orientations (on Library premises only).
Special and Ephemera Collection:
This collection houses over 2,800 items, including zines, independently published material, artist books and projects, rare and out-of-print material, non-book items, events, programming and children’s ephemera produced locally and internationally, journals and the Art Jameel archives. To access this Collection at Jameel Library, book here.
Artist Files:
This Collection consists of various items documenting the artist and their practice. The files include ephemeral items, support materials from exhibitions, pamphlets, brochures, price listings, prints, postcards, publications, layouts, diagrams, sketches, sample materials and artist books. To access this Collection at Jameel Library, book here.
Library Programming
Jameel Library is an active and dynamic learning platform, home to public programmes, reading groups, curated bibliographies, symposia and interventions. Free and open to all, the Library is home to students, artists, researchers, writers, professionals and the curious.
Library Circles
Library Circles feature research, talks and experimental interventions by UAE practitioners in the Jameel Library and the Jameel Arts Centre. The programme explores alternative research methodologies and representations with a focus on ‘thinking in public’.
Please visit the What’s On page to view upcoming Library Programming and events.
You can find information on past Library Circles here.
Past Library Circles digital resources include:
Library Circles: Rashed Qurwash
Library Circles: Maysoon Al Duwairi
Library Circles: Maryam Al Dabbagh
Jameel Library Readings
Jameel Library Readings is a series which invites visitors, friends and collaborators of the Jameel Library to read and respond to texts from the collection.
Watch the videos here.
Jameel Library Commission
The annual Jameel Library Commissions program invites creative professionals to conduct research in the Jameel Library resulting in creative work released online in instalments. This research utilises and expands the library’s growing collection. As part of the commission, a reading list is provided, which can be accessed online by library visitors and other researchers.
Jameel Library Digital Commissions include:
Sarnath Banerjee (2020 – 2021)
Khalid Mezaina (2022 – 2023)
Ahmad Nabil (2024 – 2025)