Art Jameel today announces the launch of Jameel House Online, a programme of online workshops inspired by the traditional arts. Intended for artists and enthusiasts of all levels, including children, the workshops have been adapted to contemporary materials and tools available around the home during the lockdown. The sessions are delivered by local artists and craftspeople, including alumni from the Jameel Houses of Traditional Arts, Art Jameel’s network of heritage institutions in Jeddah and Cairo, and are available on Art Jameel’s website and social media platforms.

The first series of workshops launched today is a home-grown first for Saudi Arabia, with sessions in Arabic, with English subtitles,  taught by artists based in Jeddah, and focused on craft skills inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia, blending contemporary materials with traditional techniques, and upcycling plastic waste.

Sessions include painting the Flower of Life design with coffee, and making home decorations with geometric stars, both led by Rana AlAmoudi; making traditional kites at home, led by The Aleph Journal; crocheting an eight-pointed star using waste plastic bags, led by {Kees Chic}; traditional paper-making by hand using scrap card and paper, led by Ammar Jiman; and ornamental drawing with Islamic geometry, led by Marwa Turkestani.

While the Jameel Houses in Cairo and Jeddah and the Atelier Cairo, Art Jameel’s centre for Egyptian craft entrepreneurship, are temporarily closed due to COVID-19, these online workshops offer an opportunity for artists of all levels of experience, including children, to try their hand at crafts.

All workshops are available on Art Jameel’s website and social media platforms.