Hayy Matsuri – 3rd Edition

From Japan to Jeddah!

Art Jameel’s annual cultural festival Hayy Matsuri, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah, returns in its third edition with an exciting theme and line-up of Japanese performers and artists debuting for the first time in Saudi Arabia!

Known to celebrate Japanese and Gulf creativity, collaboration and culture, the festival has become a vibrant meeting point  where tradition and innovation converge across different art forms. Each edition brings new ideas, connections and encounters, shaped by the creative spirit of our community.

Next year, Hayy Matsuri takes inspiration from the martial arts concept of Shu–Ha–Ri, a path of learning and mastery that moves from following tradition to breaking it, and ultimately creating new ways forward. Through this lens, we invite proposals that reflect this concept through innovative pop-ups, open market, workshops, F&B, live demonstrations or interactive activities.

Festival theme: Shu – Ha – Ri

• Shu (守) – Follow the rules: Rooted in principle, tradition, craft  and established practices
  
• Ha (破) – Break the rules: Ideas that challenge conventions, remix practices and experimenting boldly
• Ri (離) – Create new rules: Imagine new possibilities, innovative formats and carving unique paths

Whether rooted in tradition or contemporary artistic practices, we want to hear from you! A chance for the community to contribute to the festival, exchange with others, and co-create the next chapter of this evolving festival.

Proposals are welcome across creative disciplines: product design, crafts, fashion, performing arts, photography, culinary arts, F&B and more.

Application guidelines

• • Incomplete applications will not be considered so please make sure you fill everything in!
  • Proposals must respond to the theme in a creative, inclusive and interactive way
  • Shortlisted applicants will receive a confirmation email by Art Jameel once a selection has been made

Deadline for applications: 1 October 2025 (by no later than 12am AST)