BAIT 15 is an artist-run studio and exhibition space housed in a residential home in downtown Abu Dhabi.

Founded in late 2017 by Afra Al Dhaheri, Hashel Al Lamki, and Maitha Abdalla. BAIT (meaning home in Arabic) 15’s co-founders join independent curator Munira Al Sayegh in conversation to discuss their three-year journey so far, highlights from their residency and exhibition programmes, as well as thoughts on what the future holds for BAIT 15 and the artist-run ecology of the UAE.

The co-founders discuss the beginnings of their initiative and what led them to establishing an artist-run platform that lives outside of the institutional framework, highlighting their dynamic mission, as well as the guidance and role their community plays in the platform’s programmes.

The three BAIT 15 co-founders from left to right: Afra Al Dhaheri, Hashel Al Lamki, and Maitha Abdalla.

The BAIT 15 house was originally the home of the late actor Mohammed al Janahi, and before becoming the space for the platform it is today was the residence of painter and writer Mohamed Al Mazrouei.

BAIT 15 exhibiting at Art Dubai’s UAE NOW section in 2019.

Emirati artist and co-founder Hashel Al Lamki in his studio space at BAIT 15.

First exhibiton at BAIT 15 showcasing UAE-based artists.

Exhibition view at BAIT 15.