brief
Dubai Culture & Arts Authority aims to transform the Al Quoz industrial district into a vibrant creative zone and a hub for businesses in the cultural and creative industries. Their approach emphasises a gradual, long-term strategy to shift public perceptions of Al Quoz away from a historically industrial area, establish strong cultural foundations, and create a community-centred ecosystem that nurtures local talent and attracts global audiences, ultimately strengthening Dubai’s growing reputation as a leading creative city.
RESPONSE
Establishing identity through raising awareness
The Advisory’s strategy centred on raising awareness of Al Quoz’s identity through unexpected programming and interventions, uncovering the district’s cultural history and creative spaces. These efforts connected curious visitors with local creative business owners, helping strengthen a cohesive network of existing creative enterprises, while fostering a stronger community identity.
Nurturing creative entrepreneurship
As Dubai Culture & Arts Authority had a strategic focus of establishing Al Quoz as a dynamic hub for creative entrepreneurship, the Advisory imagined and launched an integrated hive of incubator programmes, grants, workshops, and mentorship opportunities, attracting creative entrepreneurs and startups and, positioning the district as a centre for knowledge-sharing, networking, and innovation. This culminated in the inaugural Al Quoz Entrepreneurship Forum in 2023.
Building a creative ecosystem
The Advisory will focus on expanding initiatives like the Quoz Entrepreneurship Forum, encouraging creative communities to establish roots within Al Quoz. This commitment aims to create a strong foundation for long-term growth and a lasting creative entrepreneurial legacy.
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