Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to Launch on November 15

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM
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Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial to Launch on November 15

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will feature over 70 UAE-based and international artists. WAM

The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will commence on November 15, featuring over 70 UAE-based and international artists who will present site-specific installations and performances in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, themed ‘Public Matter,’ Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as a key pillar of its Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, artists will include Allora & Calzadilla, Arquitectura Expandida, Christopher Joshua Benton, Farah Al Qasimi, guBuyoBand, Hashel Al Lamki, Kabir Mohanty, Khalil Rabah, Oscar Murillo, Radhika Khimji, Sammy Baloji, Tarik Kiswanson, Wael Al Awar, Zeinab Alhashemi and more, WAM said.

The first Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial focuses on redefining the concept of "public" within the unique context of Abu Dhabi, considering factors such as environmental conditions, communal living, and city planning. It highlights the influence of a diverse, immigrant population on the city's public life and emphasizes values like hospitality and generosity.

The Biennial aims to explore the cultural experiences of various transitory communities and their integration into public spaces. By showcasing site-specific artworks and performances in accessible downtown locations, it underscores the significance of public art as a communal resource.

"We are launching the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial as part of our wider cultural vision, providing a unique platform for our community to both appreciate our cultural heritage and be inspired by contemporary art. It also reflects our commitment to supporting creatives in Abu Dhabi, the global south and the rest of the world through flagship art programs,” said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak.

“Taking over key sites in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain, the Biennial will further position the emirate as a center for culture and creativity, and ensure transformative, inclusive and accessible art encounters are available to both our residents and visitors.”



Dubai Culture Concludes 'Emirati Creatives in Venice Program'

As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM
As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM
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Dubai Culture Concludes 'Emirati Creatives in Venice Program'

As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM
As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale - Photo by WAM

Dubai Culture has successfully concluded its ‘Emirati Creatives in Venice Program,’ aimed at showcasing Emirati talent on the global stage and promoting engagement with prominent art practices at the 60th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, themed 'Foreigners Everywhere'.

Supported by the Sikka Platform, the program reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to creating opportunities for local talent to flourish and connect with the international arts community, state news agency WAM reported.

As part of this initiative, ten Emirati artists — Anood Al Khoori, Duha Al Hallami, Elham Karimi, Fatima Abdulrahman, Fatma Al Mheiri, Hend Al Murid, Maryam AlHemeiri, Mezna Suwaidan, Nawal Ahmad, and Sara Al Khayyal — participated in a cultural journey exploring the diverse artistic practices displayed at the Venice Biennale. They visited the UAE Pavilion at Arsenale’s Sale d’Armi, where they experienced Abdulla Al Saadi’s exhibit, ‘Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia’, a portrayal of his 40-year creative journey through his travels and explorations of the UAE’s natural heritage and landscapes.

The artists further explored Venice’s rich cultural landscape, visiting landmarks such as the Doge’s Palace, renowned for its Venetian Gothic architecture; the Rubelli Foundation, focused on textile arts; the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, dedicated to glass arts; and the ‘Vatican Chapels Pavilion of the Holy See’ within the Venice Biennale, showcasing unique glass installations. This journey offered insights into the interplay between art and environment, encouraging the artists to reflect on their creative approaches. During their time in Venice, the artists met with design experts and university representatives to discuss contemporary trends in art and design. They also met with artist Fabrizio Plessi, who highlighted the role of storytelling and the integration of technology in art. They participated in an interactive workshop by Fernando Masone on combining traditional and modern art techniques.