Artists in the capital will now be able to showcase their work in malls across Abu Dhabi. Thanks to a partnership between The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT) with Aldar Properties, new campaign Art Space will provide exhibition spaces in malls, showcasing their works in front of a wider audience. The initiative was developed following a ‘CulturAll Conversations’ panel discussion between the chairman of DCT HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, and UAE artists and creatives, who discussed the cultural development of the UAE and how to tackle challenges facing the artist community. One of the main issues raised what the need for more spaces to host and accommodate exhibitions and artist studios.
Over the course of eight months (until May 2021), 12 artists will showcase their work and creative practices in exhibition spaces in venues including Yas Mall, World Trade Centre Mall and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain.
For the first phase of Art Space, artist Azza Al Qubaisi will be showcasing her metalworking skills with a display of sculptures at Yas Mall. Al Qubaisi enjoys exploring and experimenting with metal and natural materials.
Also on view now is artist and current Cultural Foundation art resident, Diaa Allam, who will utilise an exhibition space at World Trade Centre Mall to display his 3D calligraphy art skills. As the founder of Naht Designs, Allam has also taken part in projects across the UAE, including the Guinness World Records-recognised largest glow-in-the-dark mural in Ras Al Khaimah.
“DCT Abu Dhabi is committed to strengthening the cultural ecosystem of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, championing local creative potential and showcasing the depth of talent present across the nation,” said Al Mubarak.
“Having identified the need for further platforms through which UAE-based artists can display their work and attract new audiences, we have developed Art Space as a means by which creators from all disciplines may showcase their skills, engage in creative discussion and benefit from feedback on their work, helping to build the market that supports Abu Dhabi’s creative community.
“I believe we will open up a world of knowledge by empowering our artists in this way, finding new creative voices and discovering new means that will put Abu Dhabi at the forefront of artistic and cultural exchange.”
More information on the future Art Space residents will be announced by DCT soon. In the meantime, you can head down to Yas Mall and World Trade Center Mall to see Al Qubaisi and Allam’s work.
