Art Nights @ Gate Village returns tomorrow

Photo Courtesy DIFC

For one night only, Dubai’s financial district will be transformed into a bustling centre of arts and culture as the second season of Art Nights @ Gate Village begins its first event of 2013.

The successful series of vibrant cultural evenings, which first began in 2010, starts 7pm tonight at the DIFC Gate Village, the contemporary urban area home to several galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. The event is set to attract some 4,000 art enthusiasts, collectors, young creatives and families to its exhibition openings, live acts, music and talks, says Ayyam Gallery's Minna Joseph, an organiser of the event.“Communities within and outside the arts all get involved. which has helped make it more progressive,” says Joseph. “It’s crucial for a city to have such community events to make arts and culture more accessible.” During the evening, visitors can explore several new exhibitions which include works by the Syrian calligrapher Mouneer Al Shaarani, the Iranian artist Farzad Kohan, the photographers Marwa Adel and Marc Riboud and a collaborative exhibit between The Farjam Collection and the UN World Food Programme. In addition, live art will be demonstrated by the South American artists Liz Ramos and German Fernandez, while Darwin Guevera will create an installation from material found at the event. Another highlight is a roundtable discussion with the London-based Pakistani artist Fahd Burki presented by Shelter Dubai, the Urban Series film screening by Brownbook, and an Instagramers Photo Walk in association with Instagramers Dubai Community. “There are many gallery openings and people don’t usually get the chance to see everything, so Art Nights is a good opportunity to capture everything in one night,” Joseph says. “We have lots of interest from regional artists, musicians, retailers and performance artists and from the younger crowd.” Says the artist Farzad Kohan: “It’s an amazing feeling to belong to such a community. Artists always play an important role for their community by creating and showcasing works that bring awareness to the general public.” Engaging the community through art is also Marwa Adel’s objective. Her exhibition, Faceless, will be presented at Art Sawa gallery.  “I'm delighted to be part of Art Nights and to showcase my latest body of works, highlighting the Middle Eastern women's voice,” said Adel. “Art Nights is a great platform to engage the community with the arts and giving them a single evening to experience all the art on display”.

* For more information, visit www.difc.ae/art-nights-gate-village

by Maey el Shoush