Alserkal Advisory

Some moments feel like the start of something bigger. At Alserkal Advisory, we’re reflecting on five from 2024 that pushed boundaries in cultural strategy and production across the region and beyond. 1. We platformed underrepresented regional voices and alternative institutional models on the global stage, including at the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Symposium and the World Culture Cities Summit. 2. We envisioned cities where culture lives at the heart of development, shaping placemaking and cultural district strategies in AlUla and Riyadh. 3. We introduced new methodologies for sustainable public art commissioning through a three-year transcontinental co-commission, spanning site-specific projects in Johannesburg, Kingston, and Dubai. 4. We expanded the Etihad Museum’s reach and engagement with audiences with several firsts: a two-day Ramadan festival, two youth-curated exhibitions, an inaugural research grant cycle, and new media rooms. 5. We led the only regional conference dedicated to empowering cultural entrepreneurs, supporting creative industries with the second annual Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum. We’re always open to collaboration—get in touch at advisory@alserkal.online. Fiza Akram Sarah Daher Maha Krueger Sabbagh Shilpa Alakkal

Announcing the Winners of the Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Competition, presented in partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and Al Quoz Creative Zone. 1. Creams Botanics: A startup using oils extracted from leftover date seeds in sustainable, eco-friendly skincare products. 2. Kenaz Studio: A mobile art studio on wheels, bringing art and crafts classes to remote villages and mountain communities. 3. LikeMinds: A meet-up platform for videographers and filmmakers, fostering a creative community and generating business leads in the entertainment industry. Runners-up included Surendr, B-Model Podcast, and Synergy. The winners were selected after an exciting round of live pitches presented to six esteemed judges, including Mohammed Kazim, Shohidul Chowdhury, Medea Nocentini, Genny Ghanimeh, Sahar Abdulla, and Hashem Montasser, from across the startup ecosystem. Congratulations to everyone involved!

The Al Quoz Creative Entrepreneurship Forum returns on Dec 10 & 11 to Alserkal Avenue. If you’re an aspiring creative entrepreneur, thinker, or maker, register for this free, two-day event featuring keynotes, workshops, networking, and the return of the Creative Entrepreneurship Competition—where select competitors will have the chance to pitch live, shark tank style, and win their portion of the prize to help bring their visions to life. Register now: https://lnkd.in/dZKKtb3M

We congratulate our founder, Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, who has been honoured with the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, a recognition of his transformative impact on the arts and culture scene in the UAE. Presented for the first time, this prestigious award was conferred in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; and His Excellency Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth. The UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Youth, represents the highest honour of its kind, celebrating exceptional talents whose artistic and creative contributions have profoundly enriched the UAE’s cultural landscape and strengthened its influence on regional and international stages. We extend our gratitude to Abdelmonem and the Alserkal family, whose vision for Alserkal Initiatives—which comprises Alserkal Avenue, Alserkal Arts Foundation, and Alserkal Advisory—continues to inspire and shape the future of arts and culture in the region.

Alserkal Avenue hosted the World Cities Culture Forum 2024, a first for the Middle East and North Africa, in partnership with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, welcoming 100 leaders from 40 cities on a united mission: to reimagine cities where culture forms the very foundation of equity, prosperity, and sustainability. Our Executive Director, Vilma J. who served on the Taskforce and led the roundtable “Cultural Districts: Do They Work?”, shared, “We must seek new models for cultural communities and districts, ones that embrace plurality, foster care, and shape spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging.” Now in its fourth edition, this three-day summit was held across three iconic cultural venues: Al Shindagha Museum, the Museum of the Future, and Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s leading cultural district. #WorldCitiesCultureForum

Future Echoes, our third Cultural Season at the Etihad Museum, begins with an inspiring conversation between Her Excellency Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Dubai Abulhoul, author and founder of the Fiker Institute . This dialogue will explore themes of leadership, legacy, and cultural influence—setting the tone for a season of reflection and cultural exploration. Join us on Thursday, October 17th, at 7:30 pm for this special event. Register now at https://lnkd.in/d3yFK67i Vilma J. Fiza Akram Dubai Culture & Arts Authority

Dubai will host the World Cities Culture Summit 2024! From 30 October – 1 November, our network of civic leaders will gather in Dubai, the host city for the World Cities Culture Summit 2024. This year’s theme: ‘Tomorrow's culture: how will the next generation shape our world?’ The Summit will explore how global cities—from AI to archaeology—are crafting a cultural legacy for the future and empowering the next generation of creatives. So, what makes Dubai a creative world city? 💪 A journey from fishing village to global powerhouse: Dubai has transformed from a modest village into one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. With a population of 3+ million where expatriates outnumber natives, Dubai’s cultural landscape is as diverse as its people. 🚀 A creative economy leader: Dubai is a global front-runner in the creative economy, ranked as the top city for investment in culture and creative industries (2023 FDI Index Report, Financial Times). 🏺 Cultural icons: The city boasts world-class cultural venues, from the @Al Shindagha Museum, showcasing the city’s rich heritage, to the award-winning Museum of the Future, and the vibrant Alserkal Avenue, Dubai’s premier arts district. Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/eq_tDYRH Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Justine Simons OBE, Laia Gasch #wccf_dubai #worldcities #culturaleadership #dubai #WCCF_Summit

Alserkal Advisory is growing! Join us in shaping the region’s most exciting cultural projects. We have a busy year ahead of us, and we’re in search of dedicated individuals to join our team. There are three dynamic roles we are hiring for that will give you the opportunity to work with exciting clients to deliver experimental and innovative interdisciplinary projects. • Research Associate • Operations Executive • Project Manager If you are passionate about the cultural sector, explore the job profiles in detail and submit your application by the 15th of October: https://lnkd.in/djQxzwkR

Alserkal Arts Foundation International Residency has been named one of @Artnet’s 'Top Artist Residencies Around the World.' This recognition highlights the expertise within the Alserkal family in developing innovative residency models. We’re excited to continue building on this success to support new partners on similar projects.

This Labour Day, the team at Kingston Creative unveiled a new sculpture created by Artist Camille Cheddar as part of it's launch of A New Climate Change Art Park, located at South Camp Road and Tower Street.  Now renamed Manning’s Community Park, this initiative is one of many art installations around the world as part of The Global Co-Commission: A Feral Commons Pilot Project - spearheaded by Alserkal Advisory in collaboration with the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) and supported by UAP. It is a story of community love, endurance, hope and change. Read below: