The Hayy: Creative Hub will act as an incubator for creatives and entrepreneurs, bringing together a range of cultural experiences in one neighbourhood

As Saudi Arabia prepares for a cultural revival, a major creative complex in Jeddah will become the first bespoke home for artists of various hues.

The new cultural hub – Hayy: Creative Hub – will include art galleries, digital entrepreneurs, comedy clubs, cafes and more that will work together to present the full diversity of the arts.

Being developed by Art Jameel, an organisation that supports heritage, education and the arts, the 17,000-sq m project is located in north Jeddah. Construction started last year and the complex is due to open next year.

The name of the complex is derived from the Arabic word for neighbourhood – referring to the community-oriented nature of the complex, and the ways in which the partner organisations will work.

Art Jameel commissioned ibda design to draft Hayy: Creative Hub as a major destination for Jeddah’s cultural community, bringing together a range of cultural experiences in one neighbourhood. The three-storey, dynamic, contemporary complex features open internal courtyards surrounded by shaded terraces and walkways. Shared facilities include a theatre and events spaces designed for a range of activities − from performances and exhibitions to conferences and community markets.

Hayy: Creative Hub will act as an incubator for creatives and entrepreneurs; it will bring together and nurture Saudi Arabian artists, playwrights, photographers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and others, along with the enthusiastic audiences that support them.

It will host world-class local and international exhibitions of modern and contemporary art; a digital hub for upcoming Saudi Arabian producers and directors; a professional theatre plus performance spaces; and a rolling programme of educational events for all ages.

Fady Mohammed Jameel, President of Art Jameel, says: “We are delighted to support our home, Saudi Arabia, and its fast-growing cultural scene through the development of Hayy: Creative Hub, which is set to become a base for Saudi Arabian talent, and help nurture a new generation of creatives, in addition to providing job opportunities and training.”

Art Jameel is also developing the Jameel Arts Centre, a contemporary arts institution, in the UAE.