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JEDDAH: Nama, a new collective dedicated to empowering young creatives, hosted its first event in Jeddah this week at the bustling Huna Alhabib.

The two-day Jazz Night and Silent Art Auction was a display of the power of collaboration and a cultural celebration.

Nama’s debut featured more than 30 pieces by artists from ��������Ƶ, Egypt, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Spain, Canada, and beyond. These works were donated specifically for the auction to bridge artistic communities across borders.

Jana Abdulaziz, Nama’s founder and director, told Arab News: “For the longest time, Nama was nothing more than an online group of about a dozen high schoolers that joined solely off the identity statement I wrote. No logo, no solid plans, just an idea.

“I remember a couple months in with next to no progress almost giving up the idea of having an event or Nama becoming anything. I reached out to potential sponsors and hundreds of local and international artists from my personal accounts as a last-ditch effort, expecting nothing ... and to my surprise, people did.”

With the participation of 15-plus local brands and businesses as vendors, the event was much more than an art exhibition. Visitors enjoyed an immersive experience complete with live jazz and blues performances, as well as an artist sketching portraits of guests.

The event seems to have resonated with artists and attendees alike. Yousef Zaini, a local artist and artwork donor, said: “As an artist, my work is intended to invoke emotions, raise questions, and offer perspectives. I borrow heavily from my readings in philosophy.

“I’m honored to work with Nama and showcase my works and share the philosophies they embody. The event organized by Nama was a great mix and I am eager to collaborate with them in the future. Much better is to come.”

French-Tunisian artist E. L. Seed donated one of his lithographs to Nama, describing it as a valuable opportunity. He said that participating in Nama was a chance to support the event and inspire young artists, emphasizing that no event is too big or small when it comes to reaching art enthusiasts, especially in Jeddah.

The idea for Nama came to Abdulaziz in late 2023. Despite initial setbacks, her determination and passion brought the project to life. The seamless blend of jazz music and visual art has created an atmosphere that elevated creativity and engagement, bringing people together to celebrate the cultural richness of the region.

Jwan Abdulhafeez, Nama’s head of media, said: “We wanted our launch event to be more than just an auction, we envisioned a true celebration of art, culture, and fun. The evening featured a carefully curated silent art auction that showcased emerging talent while creating an atmosphere of sophistication with live jazz performances.

“Through the silent art auction, we were able to connect talented artists with art enthusiasts, creating meaningful relationships within our community.”

The auction was a celebration of global perspectives and artistic diversity, featuring works from renowned artists while providing a platform for young creatives to share their stories and build connections in the art world.

One of Nama’s key collaborators, Mohammad Aboalola, founder and writer at Mena Youth Magazine, expressed his admiration for the collective’s approach: “Nama and Menayouth struck a chord in terms of their values and vision. When Nama approached Menayouth for us to help with managing media and activities, their approach to things proved that they have ultimate care for who they work with. They came up to us offering to deal with the event as if it was our own.”

DUBAI: Saudi creative hub Diriyah Art Futures has handpicked 12 artists for its inaugural Emerging New Media Artists Program this winter, with Welsh talent William Brooks making the cut.

Set to run for one year, the newly launched program offers access to professional equipment and facilities, a production budget, learning experiences with international guest professors specializing in new media art, and mentorships.

Brooks spoke to Arab News about his artistic process and what he hopes to gain from the opportunity.

“The prospect of working in a place that is culturally and geographically far removed from my homeland offers a unique experience,” he explained.

“I anticipate that the historical significance of Diriyah, combined with the vibrant contemporary discourse on art, technology, and culture in the region, will inform new directions in my work and deepen my engagement with the concepts I explore.”

To work with a global cohort of artists, researchers and mentors is something Brooks is particularly looking forward to, and he added: “I believe a crucial aspect of being an artist is being inquisitive. This opportunity affords me the means to draw from a diverse and far-reaching wealth of knowledge.”

When it comes to his work, the multi-disciplinary artist has most recently been experimenting with the medium of installation in a bid to merge historical processes with new technologies. His most recent work, for example, “(conflates) the use of traditional etching processes on metal with digital imaging of the often overlooked but pervasive presence of digital communication.”

Brooks’ interest in digital signals and their vital role in daily modern life aims to explore and highlight how “these connections shape our interactions and identities in ways we often overlook.”

He added: “By making these digital elements visible, I aim to spark reflection on the implications of living in a world increasingly mediated by technology.”

Despite the seemingly futuristic nature of his work, the artist is keen to look back at history to inform his process.

He said: “When approaching a project, I start by immersing myself in archival materials, historical documents, or artifacts, aiming to uncover the ways in which older technologies or media forms were once used, understood, and experienced.

“This historical research is an attempt to see how these past media forms can recontextualize and critique present-day technological advancements.”

Brooks recognizes that it is no mean feat to translate such abstract concepts into physical artworks and pointed to his 2022 work “Radio Tapestry” as a piece he is particularly proud of.

He said: “This work involved translating data from wireless networks and digital devices into a visual and sonic installation of etched plates, allowing the audience to experience the otherwise invisible electromagnetic signals that we rely upon and surround us every day.

“The challenge lay in not only making the technology function smoothly, but also in creating an installation that communicated the conceptual depth of the work — highlighting how these intangible signals shape our environment.”