The Assembly is an annual learning and talent development programme designed to support and nurture young artistic leadership in the UAE. Each year, young creatives aged 18 to 24 are selected through nominations from Art Jameel’s extended network of industry professionals, university faculty, experts and programme alumni, followed by an interview process, to join The Assembly cohort.

The programme brings together a multidisciplinary cohort of UAE-based practising creatives — including artists, designers, architects, researchers, curators, performers and more — who meet bi-weekly at Jameel Arts Centre for learning sessions led by the Art Jameel Youth Programming team. Through these sessions, members explore contemporary arts and creative practices, develop research and knowledge-based skills and engage with exhibitions, public programmes and the wider cultural network of Jameel Arts Centre, connecting with artists, curators and other cultural producers.

The Assembly is a collaborative cohort environment built on peer-to-peer learning, active participation and the exchange of ideas. Members contribute their own perspectives, experiences and creative practices while learning from one another and collectively developing new approaches to creative and curatorial work. The programme focuses on curatorial practices as a method of inquiry, encouraging members to respond to contemporary discourse, explore their individual creative interests and develop collaborative projects using Art Jameel’s resources and opportunities. Additional tools for learning and research include Jameel Library, the Art Jameel Collection and a robust calendar of events that supports the continued involvement of youth voices.

The Assembly programme culminates with the Youth Takeover, incubated through the Spring and presented annually in May. This immersive creative and collaborative project is fully commissioned and produced by the participating cohort with support from the Art Jameel team. Taking over Jameel Arts Centre, the Takeover features a series of experimental activations including workshops, discussions, tours, performances, artwork commissions and more. The cohort leads the development of the project through conceptual research and curatorial thinking, design and production, programme development, communications and outreach and the many collaborative efforts required to bring the project to fruition.

The eighth cohort of The Assembly will run from September 2026 to May 2027. The bi-weekly learning sessions and Youth Takeover will take place in-person at Jameel Arts Centre in Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai.

To learn more about The Assembly, please contact [email protected]