Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH), today revealed details of Abu Dhabi Art, an innovative new platform for modern and contemporary art. Bringing together an exclusive selection of high-level art galleries from the four corners of the world within an ancient and modern crossroads of culture and trade, Abu Dhabi Art will be a new-model curated art fair, which will reflect the dramatically changing geography of today’s art world.
Organised exclusively by TDIC and ADACH, Abu Dhabi Art will be presented under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Featuring an extraordinarily rich roster of special exhibitions, public programmes and cultural events to complement a boutique-style art fair with leading galleries from America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Abu Dhabi Art will take place in the capital of the UAE where the already renowned Saadiyat Island Cultural District is taking shape. Abu Dhabi Art will be the must-see event for collectors, artists, designers, art dealers, curators, critics and art lovers from around the world and an integral part of Abu Dhabi’s long-term cultural vision as the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi rise on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and build their world-class collections.
"Abu Dhabi Art will be a compelling new cultural offering, providing Emiratis and visitors with an entirely new experience of modern and contemporary art," stated His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC and ADACH. "Abu Dhabi Art, paired with the unparalleled experience of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District museums will secure Abu Dhabi’s position as a vibrant cultural hub regionally and internationally." A number of committees have been formed in support of Abu Dhabi Art, including a Host Committee chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Salama Bint Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; an International Patrons Committee drawing on the talents of renowned figures in the world of modern and contemporary art; an Abu Dhabi Board, made up of government and cultural leaders; and a special group, which will provide guidance to young and beginning collectors.
Abu Dhabi Art is a rich platform of cultural events created specifically for the inaugural edition. Many of the programmes have been developed with Abu Dhabi’s partners, including the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the Louvre, New York University Abu Dhabi and Paris Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi as well as number of other cultural institutions.
Middle Eastern art will be highlighted through an exhibition of works from Middle Eastern artists and curated by Sharjah Biennial Artistic Director Jack Persekian; a showcase of works by leading Middle Eastern galleries; an interactive multimedia archive on Middle Eastern contemporary art, The Bidoun Library and Project Space; and a gallery dedicated to Emirati artists curated by Anne Baldassari, Director of the Mus e National Picasso, Paris. Design will also be featured through workshops led by top international designers, the first public atelier for emerging Middle Eastern designers, and panel discussions.
Exhibitors, collectors and special guests will also be invited to enjoy the Abu Dhabi Art Majlis: a unique lounge opening onto the beach, featuring views of the Arabian Gulf and a menu developed by three-star Michelin chef Alain Passard. Visitors wanting to learn more about the host city may participate in an Abu Dhabi Tour, offered in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. A full Abu Dhabi Art catalogue will be available, and an Abu Dhabi Art retail shop will offer art and design objects.
