A brand new arts centre that has opened in the Marks and Spencer mall means that budding creatives in the capital will finally have access to the resources they need. Providing everything from hard-to-come-by materials to a well-stocked library full of glossy art books, L’atelier des Arts looks set to become quite the hub for both amateur and professional artists. So if you have a few free hours a week and fancy trying your hand at sculpture, collage, mosaic, needlework, porcelain, calligraphy (the centre supports over twenty different kinds of artistic pursuits), this is your chance. We caught up with founder Shirine Saleh to find out more about it all.
Tell us what L’Atelier des Arts is all about…
It’s not only an arts centre, it’s also an education centre, and a place to buy all kinds of art products: paints, acrylics, oils, pastels, all the materials and accessories. We also have all the products and materials for arts and crafts. Mosaic materials, porcelain and ceramic painting and of course everything for children’s arts and crafts too.
How is the centre set up?
There is a gallery where we can display all our finished products – not just paintings, but also pottery or anything handmade. On the mezzanine floor we have workstations for eight people, where we are holding classes for all kinds of arts and activities for ladies in the morning and children in the afternoon. Between 7pm and 9pm we have mixed adult classes. This space can also be rented by the hour to anyone who wants to come in and work – as long as they buy their materials from us too. We also have a seating area for groups to spend time – playing scrabble or monopoly for example! They can also use our library, where we have books for reading and for sale.
What inspired you to set up the centre?
I’ve been painting on porcelain for 11 years, and took courses in Lebanon. I gave so many exhibitions from my house. Then I decided to be a bit more professional and that’s where the idea came from. I realised whenever you have to buy something for art you can’t find it in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. You have to go to Lebanon (and fill your suitcase!), or buy online. But I want people to be able to go and get materials immediately – the day they want. Access to art materials is not sufficient in the Emirates. I think L’Atelier des Arts has the biggest variety of products now.
How do you see the centre bolstering the arts scene in the capital?
I hope we’ll have a porcelain painting community soon too, as that’s my speciality – it’s so nice and rewarding. Also the porcelain pigments I have in my shop are not available in the rest of the Middle East.
I love art and I wanted to give the chance to everyone to discover that they have something they can do other than watching TV, going to the mall or staying on the internet for hours. The centre is for everyone, and we’ll be holding classes in English, French and Arabic. This is something very special and educational – something fruitful that really rewards your efforts. Whenever you work on a piece and finish it then you are so proud of yourself!
L’Atelier des Arts, Fotouh Al Khair Centre (Marks and Spencer Mall) (02 639 3084).
