MDX Dubai Student Joins Prestigious Jameel Arts Centre Youth Takeover

We are proud to announce that Desirée Barreto, a final-year BA (Hons) Digital Media and Communications student at Middlesex University Dubai, has been selected as one of nine emerging creatives in the 2024-25 cohort of The Assembly for the annual Youth Takeover at Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai. Desirée’s participation in this esteemed programme is a recognition of her outstanding talent and potential in the creative field.

The Youth Takeover, running from 10 May to 2 June 2025, marks the culmination of a year-long talent development journey. Curated by The Assembly members, the exhibition titled Spoon Spade Shovel invites audiences to explore how tools, both literal and metaphorical, shape our ability to excavate, reflect, and play with meaning. This year’s exhibition spans interactive media, audiovisual works, and installations, all presented by a diverse group of UAE-based artists. Desirée, alongside the talented cohort, has been instrumental in curating and organising this interdisciplinary exhibition.

The Assembly, which launched in 2018, is an intensive programme designed to support and nurture the next generation of artistic leaders in the UAE. The selected creatives, aged 18-25, go through a rigorous nomination and interview process. Out of 163 nominations, Desirée’s selection as one of the nine members of The Assembly cohort is a remarkable achievement and speaks to her dedication and passion for her craft.

As part of her involvement in the Youth Takeover, Desirée will present her own activation titled me.me.con, a dynamic installation exploring digital identity, self-perception, and the intersection of technology and human connection. Visitors are invited to experience this engaging work on 18 May 2025, between 4-8 PM. Desirée’s contribution is a thought-provoking piece that aligns with the broader theme of the exhibition, encouraging reflection on the tools we use to create and remake meaning in our digital age.

Desirée is part of a diverse cohort, which includes multimedia designer and writer Desirée Barreto, alongside visual artists, designers, poets, architects, and researchers, all of whom come from various cultural backgrounds. The exhibition features new commissions from local creatives, with works from artists such as Ayesha Fernandes, Angie Pais, Khaled Esguerra, Fatma Al Ali, and many more.

As part of the Spoon Spade Shovel experience, the exhibition also includes a range of public programmes, including live music activations, performances, and experimental workshops, offering the community an opportunity to engage with the exhibition’s themes. These programmes are free and open to all, making the Youth Takeover a truly inclusive and interactive cultural event.

We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Desirée for her remarkable achievement in being selected for The Assembly and her significant contribution to the Youth Takeover. We are proud to see her representing Middlesex University Dubai at such a prestigious event, further solidifying our commitment to fostering creative talent and supporting our students in their academic and professional journeys.

For more details on the Youth Takeover and to experience me.me.con, visit here.