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Open call for podcasters

08 February 2021

Calling interested talents to submit their proposals to create a podcast, where talks and conversations are produced. These podcasts will be recorded in Foundry’s podcast room (not limited to art/culture podcasts).

• Who can submit an idea?

Pitch submissions are open to individuals who comply with the below criteria: 

• Commitment (approved content calendar, prepared topics, upcoming scheduled guests)
• Consistency (based on frequency of past episodes or upcoming planned content calendar)
• Quality (relevancy to the community, adds value)
• How do individuals submit an idea?

Interested individuals can send a pdf presentation to foundry@emaar.ae (no more than 5 slides) with their vision, mission, objectives, content calendar (including scheduled in guests, if applicable) and end results expected.

• The Offering: Foundry will be offering 100 free sessions (5 max. free sessions per person). Following the “free trial”, there will be charges as per the booking rates of the podcast room. Hours per session: Half day session (6 hours) per session. Selected podcasters will be able to utilize the podcast room FOC (X5) for a 6-hour session.

Can multiple podcast pitches be submitted?

One person or group can submit multiple pitches. Although, variations on the same idea are not accepted.

What happens when a podcast pitch is submitted?

If a project gets selected, Foundry will schedule timeslots where individuals can have access to the podcast room and use the facilities.

What is the timeline?

Deadline: February 28, 2021

Does Foundry gain rights to the podcast idea by submitting it?

No. Individuals always have to mention that the podcast series was sponsored by Foundry.

What additional benefits will selected podcasters have?

FOC usage of the podcase room (up to 5 times per person) and social media exposure on Foundry page.

What type of podcast are being scouted out?

A wide variety of concepts, hosts, styles and structures, but there are a few key traits we’re looking for in each pitch:

1.      Surprise us. Pitch us a show that’s different than what we already make — and different from what’s already out there for podcast listeners.

2.      Clearly define your show concept. You should be able to describe the overall concept of your show in a few sentences or less.

3.      Do more than entertain. We take our public service mission seriously, and look for podcasts that not only engage people, but also provide a deep value to our audience.

4.      Understand who your audience is, and why they’ll listen. Tell us how your show will create a bigger and more diverse podcast audience.

5.      Think long term. Does your concept have multi-season potential? Clearly defined content calendar? What are your goals?

6.      Take risks. Are you a writer who has never worked in audio? Maybe you’ve been producing news, but want to take on a longer project. Maybe you’ve never worked in media, but have incredible show idea for an audience we’re not serving. Take a chance with us; we’re looking to build strong teams around strong talent. You don’t have to know how to do everything.

Is this a competition?

No, it is not a competition. This is an open call for all individuals who would like to start their own podcast, improve the quality of their podcast and continue podcasting.

New art space The Foundry launches

23 January 2021

Culture vultures, take note: It is home to a podcast room, a library, a co-working space, a café, and of course, amazing works of art

Foundry is a progressive art, cultural, and co-working space located on Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Boulevard in Downtown Dubai. Not only is it perfect for the vibrant and busy neighbourhood, but it is also a great addition to the art and culture scene in the city.

Here’s what you’ll find inside.

The art space will host a comprehensive programme of art exhibitions, workshops, entertainment and talks, as well as an inspiring environment for multidisciplinary activities elevating the arts and cultural scene of the UAE.

Currently, the art space has exhibitions hosting renowned artist Jeffar Khaldi, Navid Azimi Sajadi, Goncalo Mabunda by AKKA Project, Rawda Al Ketbi, Ayesha Hadhir and Sheikha Al Ketbi that features a private photography collection of Khalid Shafar.

Foundry also includes a cozy café where visitors can grab a coffee and a bite to eat. And yes, you can (carefully) wander around the entire art space with a coffee in hand as you take in all the stunning art and installations.

If you’re visiting the art space to work, the café is a nice option, but there is also a co-working space available on the upper floor. If you’re in the mood to read or get some creative thinking done, next to the co-working space there is a small corridor with reading pods.

Complete with comfortable seats, this is the perfect spot to flip the pages of a book or to get some creative thinking done. You can even climb a small ladder to reach a pod on the upper berth if you want complete seclusion.

Didn’t carry a book with you? Don’t worry, a selection of books is also available and they even have options for students.

In the main art space, visitors will even find steps leading upstairs to ‘The Room’ – which is a space that can be used to create and record podcasts. 

You can also rent the space for personal shows or even book some culture time in your calendar to check out the cool artwork they have on display.

Follow them on foundry.downtowndubai.ae/

Source: What’s On