DCT Abu Dhabi launches Art Space to showcase artwork in public spaces

In partnership with Aldar Properties, the initiative aims to support the local creative community

Under the new initiative, artists will be able to display their work in public spaces such as in Yas Mall. Victor Besa / The National

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a new initiative called Art Space, which provides exhibition spaces for UAE artists across different locations in the capital.

Launched in partnership with Aldar Properties, the initiative aims to support the local art community and allow artists to showcase their work to the public.

The initiative also comes as a result of the discussions between DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak and the artists in the community as part of the CulturAll Conversations back in July that aimed to tackle the challenges faced by the creative community.

“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,” Al Mubarak said in a statement. “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 that 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."

From the start of November until May 2021, 12 artists will be given the opportunity to display artwork in public spaces under Aldar properties including Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi's World Trade Centre Mall, and Al Jimi Mall in Al Ain.

At the start of this initiative and beginning this month, Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi will showcase her sculpture work at Yas Mall while Egyptian artist and current Cultural Foundation resident Diaa Allam will exhibit work at the World Trade Centre Mall, where he will showcase his 3D calligraphy art. He is also the founder of Naht Designs.

Other artists will be announced in the future.