We speak to one man trying to bring Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape to the public through newly-formed company JoKaMa Art Charters. Words Sara Taher.
While there is no shortage of art in the city, some critics have suggested more could be done to get work created in the capital out to the masses. Local resident Matt McCob is aiming to do that with his new venture, JoKaMa Art Charters.
The brainchild of Matt and in association with Abu Dhabi Art Hub, this new company sets about bringing art exhibitions to the wider public. ‘The whole concept of JoKaMa Art Charters is to take the art of the city to the people,’ says Matt.
The way it works is two-fold; on one hand, JoKaMa seeks out art around the city, and on the other hand, it offers clients and organisations the option of tailoring specific exhibitions in any venue. For example, should a governmental meeting take place in an iconic landmark, JoKaMa Art Charters would provide the art work to decorate the venue. ‘When people are preparing for their event, they will think about the date, location, catering, flowers and decoration.
I want JoKaMa Art Charters to become part of that decision-making process,’ Matt tells us. ‘If there are foreign delegates [or] business partners attending a corporate event, welcome them with original paintings from the country. Foreign dignitaries may only be in the city for a few hours, [so] show them what they might not have time to see with original artwork of local scenes and landmarks, painted by local artists,’ he enthuses.
‘I always felt there was a weak link in the way art reached the public. There are plenty of exhibitions to go and see, and plenty of activities to take part in. However, there is also a great deal of interest in contemporary art in the city, so this collaboration with the Art Hub is a way of taking the art of the city out to the people,’ says Matt.
While Abu Dhabi has been cultivating a strong outlet for global art brands and works, with venues such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, Matt believes that the city still lacks a grassroots art scene. ‘People who use JoKaMa Art Charters will be able to tailor exhibitions to their needs and host it in any venue,’ he continues. ‘Now the exhibition will come to you.’
While promoting the local art scene is an objective, artworks do have to meet a certain calibre before becoming part of the JoKaMa catalogue. ‘I’m more than happy to help and represent anyone who can produce quality [because that’s] what JoKaMa is about. If someone produces one quality painting a year in their spare time, that doesn’t make them an amateur, it makes them an artist.’
The artwork is then rented out for events and also has the option of being sold as well. ‘There certainly is a lot of good talent here, and the Art Hub and Art Squad are great resources for reaching fresh talent.’
As a new concept, the endeavour naturally faces some tough challenges in its quest for success. ‘Reaching the artists and the people is one [issue]. The other challenges will be in the form of local licensing laws and regulations, but with the expertise of the Art Hub in these areas, hopefully that won’t be a problem.’
Despite the obstacles, the company is already busy organising auctions and events around the city, such as an auction taking place at the Art Hub on June 22, where proceeds will benefit the charity Operation Smile. ‘I am also trying to arrange pop-up galleries like [they do] in England, where unused retail space in prime locations is hired or borrowed for a week or two, and an exhibition is arranged, shown and taken down.
Then another space would become available on the other side of the city, and one would appear there for a week. It is exciting and spontaneous and the public would never know quite what to expect. However, obtaining the necessary licenses is a long process.’
Despite the challenges, Matt believes the need is there. ‘I want to improve the art scene in the city. The collection might not be as valuable as the new museums, but who knows what might happen.’
Visit the JoKaMa Art Charters Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Jokama-ART-Charters or call Matt on 056 268 3820.
