University Arts Contribution (11.2.5)

University contributions to local arts through public performances, theatre, and cultural events.

Introduction:

Al-Ahliyya Amman University (AAU) plays a significant role in supporting and advancing local arts, cultural expression, and creative community engagement. Through its public cultural events, artistic performances, design exhibitions, creative workshops, and community-based artistic collaborations, AAU contributes directly to the cultural vitality of the region and the promotion of Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11).

Guided by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Support Policy and the Public Arts Events Organization Procedure, AAU ensures that artistic activities whether visual, performative, architectural, or digital are accessible to students, community members, and visitors. The university’s artistic outputs foster cultural awareness, support emerging artists, preserve local identity, and promote creative innovation across multiple disciplines.

AAU regularly organizes public art exhibitions, design showcases, theatre-style interactive workshops, architecture and interior design displays, AI-driven creative events, and community cultural gatherings. These contributions reinforce AAU’s mission to strengthen Jordan’s cultural landscape and provide inclusive access to the arts.

Centers and Departments:

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1. Faculty of Architecture & Design

Leads artistic showcases, design exhibitions, creative model presentations, and public cultural events. Hosts studios and galleries that highlight student and community artistic work.

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2. Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)

Supports creative entrepreneurs, organizes digital-art expos, and hosts innovation-driven artistic events accessible to the public.

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3. Arena Complex

Provides a major cultural venue for artistic performances, creative installations, design fairs, and community cultural events attended by large public audiences.

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4. Global Engagement Center (GEC)

Facilitates cross-cultural artistic exchanges, international creative events, and globally linked art programs open to the community.

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5. Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)

Supports creative workshops, public lectures on arts and culture, and collaborative learning events incorporating design, art, and cultural expression.

Activities:

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1. AI-Based Creative Design Workshop – Public Art Exhibition

An open public workshop featuring AI-generated artistic works, architectural concepts, and innovative digital models, providing the community with access to emerging forms of artistic expression.

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2. Creative Exhibition on AI in Furniture Design & Product Development

A public event showcasing artistic furniture models and creative product designs generated through AI tools, highlighting innovation in artistic craftsmanship.

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3. National Cultural Workshop – “Women on the Green Path”

Included cultural performances, artistic presentations, environmental art, and a creative platform promoting women’s artistic contribution to sustainable development.

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4. Architecture & Urban Design Review – Public Design Showcase

Held during the educational visit to the Southern Corniche Walkway, where students publicly presented creative design interpretations and architectural visualizations of the site.

Impact Evaluation & Development Plan

A . Performance Evaluation

Structured Assessment Tools

AAU employs artistic-engagement rubrics, exhibition-evaluation tools, and participation surveys to assess: • public involvement in art events,
• diversity of artistic expression,
• accessibility of cultural spaces,
• creative output quality.

Annual Assessment Cycles

Annual evaluations track: • number of artistic events hosted;
• attendance from community members;
• student artistic participation;
• visibility of AAU artistic contributions;
• integration of arts in community development.

Quantitative & Qualitative Indicators

Indicators include: • number of exhibitions, workshops, and performances,
• public engagement levels,
• student and visitor feedback,
• artistic innovation and cultural impact assessments.

Integration with Curriculum

Artistic outputs are integrated into:
• architecture studios,
• interior-design exhibitions,
• capstone creative projects,
• multidisciplinary cultural modules.

Transparency and Public Reporting

All art-related events and contributions are published through:
• AAU Sustainability Portal
• SDG11 Executive Report
• Sustainability Report 2024–2025
• AAU News Portal

B. Development Actions

Action 1: Annual Public Arts Festival

Host a university-wide arts festival featuring exhibitions, performances, and cultural showcases. Target: Launch in 2026.

Action 2: Community Artist Collaboration Program

Invite local artists to conduct workshops and display work in AAU galleries. Target: 6 collaborations annually.

Action 3: Outdoor Public Art Installations

Expand public sculptures, murals, and art installations across campus green spaces. Target: +10 installations by 2027.

Action 4: Digital Gallery & Arts Archive

Create an online digital gallery preserving AAU’s artistic events and exhibitions. Target: Operational by 2026.

Action 5: Cultural Partnerships with Municipalities

Collaborate with cultural institutions, national museums, and municipalities to co-host art programs.
Target: 3 joint cultural events per year.

C. Benchmarking & Best Practice

AAU benchmarks its artistic contributions against: • University of Cambridge – Artistic Public Engagement
• University of British Columbia – Community Arts Model
• University of Melbourne – Public Creative Spaces
• University of Gothenburg – Cultural Heritage & Arts Innovation

Best Practices Adopted

public art accessibility• creative innovation in design
• multicultural artistic exchange
• open community exhibitions
• transparent documentation of artistic contributions

Localization to Jordan’s Context

Aligned with: • Ministry of Culture community arts strategy
• Jordanian heritage and arts frameworks
• AAU Arts and Cultural Heritage Support Policy
• Public Arts Events Organization Procedure

Future Goal (by 2028)

Launch the AAU Creative Arts & Cultural Hub, a fully public artistic center for exhibitions, performances, and community cultural development.

Institutional Integration Summary

Through coordinated contributions from the Faculty of Architecture & Design, CIE, the Arena Complex, GEC, TLC, and SIRC, AAU fosters an open, inclusive, and culturally vibrant artistic environment accessible to all.
These integrated systems enhance AAU’s cultural leadership and deepen its impact on SDG11 through public arts, creative education, and community engagement.