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    Jolaine Frizzell

    Founder and Managing Director, Ivy Advisory

    Before founding Ivy Advisory, Jolaine was Director at The Institute for Emerging Art, where she spearheaded initiatives supporting early-career artists in honing their craft across the UAE, the UK, and beyond. With a proven track record of developing strategic partnerships and executing creative projects, Jolaine has curated external exhibitions at prestigious venues such as The Brunei Gallery, Maraya Art Centre, Aisha Alabbar Gallery, among others.

    With over 12 years of experience as a gallery director in Zurich, London, and Dubai, Jolaine is a seasoned expert in the commercial art sector. Holding an MA in Art History from the University of Western Ontario (2004) and a BFA in Photography (2001) and a BA in Art History (2000) from the University of Calgary, Jolaine identifies a critical gap in the local art ecosystem, particularly in bridging the divide between regional artists and gallery representation.

    With Ivy Advisory, she aims to foster knowledge partnerships, marketing development, and creative networking within a bespoke learning environment to empower talented artists outside the traditional commercial gallery model.

    Q&A

    Q: Did you go to university, and if so what did you study?

    I started in business but then switched to art history. I did my BA in Art History, a BFA in Studio Art (Photography), and my MA in Art History, focusing my thesis on a Canadian artist and Lacan.

    Q: What was your first ever job?

    I worked at a video store.

    Q: Essential book to read / movie to watch / artist to follow today.

    I love Ziad and Talal Najjar. Their exhibition at NYU’s project space curated by Tala Nasser in 2023 was the start of something new, and I’m eagerly watching them develop.

    Q: Any tips for submitting an application or succeeding in an interview?

    Have someone review your statement and provide feedback. A second pair of eyes is invaluable for helping you clearly articulate your thoughts on the page.

    Q: Is there one thing you would do differently if you could start your professional career again?

    I would focus on studying the legal aspects of an artist’s practice, particularly to better understand intellectual property, contracts, standard practices, and artists' rights.

    Q: Favourite event in the UAE cultural calendar.

    Art Dubai Week, when the world comes to Dubai. It's a time for reuniting with artists and friends and experiencing the best shows of the season.

    Q: What other place in the world should the UAE be looking to for inspiration?

    Inspiration can be found everywhere and anywhere. Travelling abroad offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on local standards and consider what changes can be introduced into this ecosystem.

    Q: Most important next step for the UAE creative industry as a whole.

    The UAE creative industry must continue to push forward. For artists, it's crucial to keep creating and evolving your practice. Explore what's happening both locally and internationally. Engage in exhibitions and residencies and immerse yourself in the ecosystem. The creative industry as a whole should better leverage the diverse opportunities available throughout the Emirates.