The art world has been dealt quite the blow as fairs, exhibitions, and other large-scale events are cancelled in response to the economic and health crisis brought on by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Art professionals everywhere are still reeling from the effects, and this will undoubtedly continue for the months ahead. One foundation, however, has stepped up to the plate to ensure that creatives are not abandoned in this difficult time.

Art Jameel, the cultural and philanthropic arm of Saudi business Abdul Latif Jameel, has recently launched the Art Jameel Research and Practice Platform. The platform opened its first round of applications on April 1 for artists, writers, curators and researchers based in the Middle East and North Africa. Online application will be available in three cycles through to June 7, 2020. The first deadline is on April 10, which allows for timely response to those most in need, followed by the second deadline on April 30. Proposals are considered by an independent jury, which will judge candidates according to pre-set criteria.

“Over the past few weeks, the Art Jameel team has listened to the arts community and brainstormed ways in which we can repurpose our budget to try to help, working alongside industry and government colleagues,” said director of Art Jameel, Antonia Carver, to Arab News.

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