UAE’s annual festival devoted to helping you discover your future in the arts returns this October!

Day 1: Thursday, October 10, 9am – 2pm

Dedicated to group visits by school and universities and anyone with a student ID 

Day 2: Friday, October 11, 9am – 2pm

Programme designed for group visits by schools and universities. Free and open to the public: all are welcome. 

Click here for the full Day 2 Programme

Day 3: Saturday, October 12,  10am – 6pm

Free and open to all 

Click here for the full Day 3 Programme

Early registration is advised please register via this link.

Following the success of the 2022 edition, So You Want to Work in the Arts? and 2023 You Can’t Have Arts Without… The 2024 edition presents Form = Function = Form = Function = Form. This edition is dedicated to exploring diverse design careers and the ways in which the arts intersect with design, architecture, fashion, graphics, interiors and beyond. Attendees discover the disciplines of design thinking, from collaborative and problem-solving approaches to the myriad opportunities that lie between the intersection of form and function.

Creative Careers Days (CCD) is a three-day event catered to school students aged 15 and above, university students, as well as alumni and job seekers. The event brings together over 30 UAE organisations and universities under one roof, offering a unique chance for attendees to connect, meet and discover how to be part of the creative landscape that shapes the country.

For school students, highlights include a diverse range of creative career pathways introducing the breadth of careers possible and match-making students with higher education paths; options in tertiary education, locally and internationally; internships, volunteering opportunities and platforms to showcase work. Plus a rolling programme of interactive making workshops for hands-on crafting experiences and a ‘Meet the Creative’ series of small talks, introducing high-schoolers to role models in the scene.

For university students, graduates alumni and job seekers, organisations highlight their offerings of postgraduate open calls, residencies, internships, volunteering opportunities and more. The popular career surgery stations make a comeback, offering one-to-one consultations with career experts suggesting tailored career mapping plans. Portfolio reviews take place all throughout the Jameel Library. Skills workshops include how to write a CV/resume and cover letter, informational panel discussions from designers and creatives, and a series of small talks from HR recruiters providing insights on what they look for when hiring.

The Jameel Library features a special range of resources on pedagogy and arts education for faculty and education professionals.

Food stalls, music and entertainment are available for all ages! 

Schools, universities and individual participants are invited to register and secure their attendance through the RSVP link. Early registration is highly recommended as spots are limited.

The annual school student showcase exhibition expands!

The first schools to register will also have the chance to nominate students for the annual school showcase exhibition, which will be held at the Jameel during CCD! Register by May 30th and be sure not to miss out on this exclusive opportunity to feature your students’ artworks!

Creative Careers Days is supported by the Ministry of Culture, UAE

*With the participation of:

Ministry of Culture UAE, Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Sharjah Museums Authority

Abu Dhabi Art, Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation, Abdul Latif Jameel, Aiden, American University of Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Alserkal Initiatives, Bayt Al Mamzar, Cultural Foundation, Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, Dubai Institute of Design and Technology, Emirates Literature Foundation, Fujifilm, Gulf Photo Plus, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, ICD Brookfield, Istituto Marangoni, Ivy Advisory, Louvre Abu Dhabi, M_39, Manarat Al Saadiyat Art Studio, Middlesex University, Möbius Design Studio, National Pavilion La Biennale di Venezia, New York University, NYUAD Art Gallery, Sharjah Performing Arts Academy, Tashkeel, The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi, The Institute for Emerging Art, Zayed University, 421 Arts Campus, 1971 Design Space and many more!