Abu Dhabi, November 19: Hosting world top artists and galleries in one place is an advanced step toward achieving Abu Dhabi’s cultural strategy, Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) stated in the occasion of integrating “Abu Dhabi Art” fair.
The fair organized in coordination between Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) in Emirates Palace gathers high profile artists and art works from around the world in a four-day multi programs event.
“The word is spreading fast. If you have a real interest in art and culture, then Abu Dhabi is the place to be. This is what we hear from friends around the world, whether they are interested in culture in general or are professionals who have made art their discipline. And they are right. Abu Dhabi is on track for being the cultural capital of the region and an art hub for the rest of the world,” Al Mazrouei said.
“When Abu Dhabi announced its plans for building cultural districts, people immediately looked at the impressive designs for a series of art galleries and museums. The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage saw the same image, but with an extra dimension,” he said.
“We need to prepare the ground for such monumental galleries and museums, and in the last three years ADACH has been working towards this goal, and continues to do so. Heritage, culture and art are things which concern us. Impressive halls will house these exhibits, but we need them to be housed in our minds as well. ADACH aims to do this, by making culture and art a part of the daily life of Abu Dhabi, and a part of its identity. We aim to make people proud of their achievements, their heritage, and their social and economic development,” he explained.
Al Mazrouei pointed that (ADACH) projects have managed to establish a two-way bridge to other cultures; he said “we host many activities that represent different cultures, both modern and historical. But we also manage to display worldwide the culture and art of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. We can proudly claim that we have practiced Cultural Diplomacy with great success. The various cultural and art events, exhibitions, concerts, and festivals you see today in Abu Dhabi are reaching out to others. But with every event, exhibition, biennale, and festival we participate in around the world, we consolidate this aim. Let me give you one good example of this outreaching strategy: the ADACH Platform in Venice Biennale. For the first time we participated in this prestigious event. Abu Dhabi and its artists managed to attract the attention of the visitors and the media and left a long-lasting effect on them.”
“Abu Dhabi Art represents a milestone in this endeavor. Never before in this part of the world have we seen such a gathering of artists and galleries of this caliber from around the globe. It is a very special event, in that it has been able to attract both art lovers and professionals, and bring them all together in one place. Some modern and post-modern works will be exhibited for the first time in the Middle East. Workshops that unite renowned world artists with emerging Arab artists will be held. Even the work of young talents and amateurs will be represented. Every possible support to artists and galleries will be provided,” he added.
“We are carving our unique status in the world of art and culture. I need to emphasize that all this would not have been possible without the continuous support and guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. His vision of Abu Dhabi as the cultural capital of the region is becoming a reality,” he said.
He stressed that “the harmony you see between the work of ADACH and TDIC is achieved with thanks to the guidance of their Chairman HH Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.”
—Agencies