Campus Art Dubai (CAD) is part of Art Dubai’s extensive year-round programming that aims to provide existing and aspiring members of the region’s cultural and creative community with educational and professional opportunities. CAD was the first programme of its kind in the region and has continuously developed and reinvented itself through each iteration.
Applications for this year’s programme are now open, read below to find out more and apply.
The programme is designed to give aspiring art professionals and young talent an in-depth understanding of how different creative industries function, providing exclusive insights into key roles in the art and culture sector, as well as facilitating career growth with professional opportunities that address the skills and local context required to succeed.
This year’s edition, CAD 12.0 Professional Development, will once again allow individuals to take on areas of responsibility within the arts, under the mentorship of senior members of the Art Dubai team, while simultaneously being guided to a career within the industry.
Participants will start with an intensive three to six-month placement, where they will gain direct early-career experience in one of Art Dubai’s departments in the lead-up to and during the fair. Throughout this placement, participants will have access to masterclasses from Art Dubai Group senior staff, mentorship sessions with an allocated team mentor, and a set of tasks that best relate to their ambitions. After the fair, participants will be provided with the opportunity to participate in a programme tailored to elevate their career prospects in the creative industries, including skill-based learning opportunities and introductions to key figures in the local arts and culture scene.
Applications for Campus Art Dubai 12.0 are now open.
PROGRAMMING
The programming department oversees the development and implementation of Art Dubai’s non-commercial and partner programmes, ranging from research to budgeting, communication, planning, execution, and reporting. Through a variety of initiatives such as Campus Art Dubai and Art Dubai Commissions, the programming department is responsible for creating meaningful experiences and building relationships with artists and curators locally, elevating Art Dubai’s mission of supporting the development of the local cultural ecosystem and putting modern and contemporary art from the Global South on the international cultural map.
VIP RELATIONS
The VIP department is responsible for overseeing all aspects of VIP initiatives, particularly focusing on developing outreach programmes and cultivating relationships with VIP and institutional audiences relevant to the fair. The department is responsible for growing and sustaining Art Dubai’s existing network of VIPs, as well as engaging top collectors (local, regional and international) through events and bespoke programming.
GALLERY RELATIONS
The Gallery Relations department is responsible for all participating galleries and their exhibitions at the fair. The department liaises with guest curators, committees, contractors, and logistics, and manages all communication with galleries about their participation at the fair including but not limited to floorplans, exhibiting artworks, price lists and catalogue content.
COMMUNICATIONS
The communications department is responsible for all of Art Dubai’s messaging and PR as well as any communications-related partnership deliverables. Through social and digital media channels, content creation and management, and media partnerships, the department’s key mission is to amplify the fair’s position in the global, regional, and local media landscape as well as to successfully drive physical and digital footfall to the fair’s content through its owned channels and strategic marketing initiatives.
FAIR PRODUCTION
The production department is responsible for overseeing all logistics involved in the production of the fair and the Art Dubai website and mobile application. The department assists in the management of fair partnerships and the production of the fair’s programming such as commissions, performances, third-party spaces, and after-parties.
EXHIBITION DESIGN
The Exhibition Design department is responsible for designing and adjusting the layout of the common areas and gallery halls of the fair. This department ensures that the spatial arrangements meet the aesthetic and functional requirements of the event, creating a cohesive and visually engaging environment for visitors and participants.
DIGITAL PLATFORMS
The Digital Platforms department manages content for the Art Dubai website and app, focusing on both the technical elements and user interface. The team liaises with internal stakeholders, the CRM department, and external developers, and supports guests with technical issues before and during the fair, ensuring a seamless digital experience.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The Social Media department handles content creation and editing, digital marketing for the fair on all relevant platforms, and social media management and scheduling. This team works to maintain and enhance Art Dubai’s online presence, engaging with the audience through various social media platforms, and acts as one of the fair’s first points of contact with the general public.
SPONSORSHIPS
The Sponsorships department liaises with partners, manages content creation for partner deliverables, and tracks and manages these deliverables. The department ensures that all sponsor agreements are fulfilled and that partners receive the maximum benefit from their involvement with Art Dubai.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The Graphic Design department designs and prepares the fair’s annual visual campaign, signage, branding, and collateral. This team supports social media, communications, and digital platforms by creating visually appealing content for the website and app, while assisting the fair management team in creating high-quality branding for the look and feel of the fair.
STUDENT TOURS
The Student Tours department liaises with schools and universities to schedule and organise tours of the fair. This department is also responsible for hiring and training tour guides, ensuring that educational visits are informative and enjoyable for all student groups.
TALKS
The Talks department plans and schedules talks, liaises with relevant parties and speakers, and manages the production elements of the talks, including AV, fit-out, and other setup factors. This department ensures that all talk sessions are well-organised and run smoothly, providing valuable content for attendees.
CONTEMPORARY ART AND THE HISTORY OF ART FAIRS
Learn about today’s art trends, key players, and fair dynamics through a chronological look at how the art world has developed.
ART COLLECTORS AND THE VALUE OF ART
Learn how art gains value, and the role collectors play in the market.
INTRO TO ART AND FINANCE
Gain insights into how the art world functions from an economic standpoint.
ART AND THE LAW
Navigate the legal frameworks affecting art, from copyrights to disputes.
EVENT MANAGEMENT CRASH COURSE
Learn about what it takes to manage a leading international art fair.
COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT
Master the tools and strategies for effective communication and community management.
PROGRAMMING AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Learn how to craft meaningful and impactful programmes to nurture, captivate, and engage audiences.
In addition to the aforementioned masterclasses, gain direct insight through conversations with:
In addition to an internal placement with Art Dubai during the lead up to fair and masterclasses lead by senior team members going over the different elements that make up the company, members of the CAD 11.0 Professional Development have access to:
