Creative Careers Days* returns! 

A unique flagship event designed to expose UAE students and aspiring creatives to the breadth of careers available in the cultural sector and matchmake young people with the industry and its expertise. With over 30 leading arts organisations and universities participating, CCD* offers opportunities for the public, schools, universities, students and teachers to explore various facets of the creative industry and discover the diverse offerings of local creative organisations.

The fourth edition of Creative Careers Days, titled Art as a voice: how do you use it? invites emerging and aspiring creatives to consider how art becomes a tool for expression, connection and collective action. This year’s programme explores how visual and performing arts can serve as a vehicle to voice personal and social issues. This edition brings together grassroots initiatives, independent homegrown spaces and inspiring individuals to reflect on how communities build and sustain themselves and how practitioners can pursue their work with clarity and purpose. 

Throughout the event, participants can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the essentials, including how to develop and present performance work, build a portfolio and access information often challenging to navigate. Sub-themes include contemporary topics such as ethical considerations surrounding AI and ways to connect meaningfully with the world today. Whether you are starting your journey into the arts or looking to reimagine your path, this edition aims to equip you with inspiration, practical guidance and insights into building a practice rooted in community, intention and expression. 

Creative Careers Days is built around the needs and passions of our community. Join the conversation by taking our survey and let us know what you want to see and learn.

Programme highlights include: career surgery stations, application surgery, LinkedIn surgery, Instagram surgery, portfolio reviews, CV reviews, mock interviews, hands-on workshops, performances, town hall discussions and inspirational talks.

Days are divided into three sub-themes: 

Day 1 | Open to all

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 10 AM – 6:00 PM

Collective Voices
Audiences are invited to explore models of grassroots initiatives and unconventional creative collectives, as well as approaches to funding and resource-sharing. The day includes town hall discussions and open conversations with artists and organisers about the challenges and successes of working independently and collectively.

Click here for the Day 1 programme

Day 2 | Open to all

Sunday, February 8, 2026, 10 AM – 6:00 PM

Translating Voices
This day focusses on podcast circles and performing arts, offering insights from experts on how to express personal and shared narratives. Sessions cover how to develop and present portfolios and CVs effectively to institutions and funders, with opportunities to network with potential collaborators.

Click here for the Day 2 programme

Day 3 | Dedicated to group visits by Schools and Universities only

Monday, February 9, 2026, 9AM – 2PM

Finding Your Voice
Schools, university students, alumni and educators engage in activities centred on making, applying and learning, with a focus on shaping their career trajectories and discovering their own styles. The day includes an application surgery, mock interviews, opportunities to experiment with materials as a mode of expression and sessions on applied imagination, problem-solving and change-making.

The first schools to register are invited to submit students’ artworks for the annual school showcase exhibition, which will be held at the Jameel during CCD! Students are invited to respond to the theme of Art as a voice: How do you use it? 

Click here for the Day 3 programme

The event features the participation of*:

Abu Dhabi Art, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, American University of Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Art Dubai Group, Art Jameel, Bayt Al Mamzar, Centre for Musical Arts, Department of Culture and Tourism, Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, Emirates Literature Foundation, Global Studies University, Gulf Photo Plus, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Higher Colleges of Technology, Istituto Marangoni, Maraya Art Centre, Middlesex University Dubai, National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale Di Venezia, New York University Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, Tashkeel, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, University of Wollongong, Vinyl Souk, Zayed University and 421 Arts Campus.

With appearances by:

AlMultaqa Chamber Orchestra, Arab Child Summit, Come to HIVE, Karama Arts Club, Manic Mundane, point a.academy, The Tasty Biscuits, +63Kolektib and many more!

SEE ALL EVENTS