We get the lowdown on the Art House Café from Khalid Seddiq Al Mutawa, the owner and founder of the cafe and Etihad Modern Art Gallery.
What was the philosophy behind opening The Art House Café?
My philosophy revolved around turning waste into something to admire. The Art House Café is an artistic hub that exemplifies the Abu Dhabi Government’s vision for nurturing a cultural and artistic environment as well as the commitment to environmental sustainability within the UAE. In addition, I see art in all aspects of life and I am always looking at bringing something better to society, hence this cafe, which came to deliver the message by educating people about turning waste into benefit and even finding art from waste.
Who are your typical visitors?
The Art House Café welcomes everyone in the community who appreciates art and who cares for the environment. It allows individuals to feel welcomed and relaxed while immersing themselves in a unique creative space. We welcome all ages, as the whole purpose of it is to spread more knowledge about involving and seeing arts in our daily life.
Why did you decide to use only recycled materials?
The interior of the Art House Café revolved around being able to convert the old into the new. People can underestimate the amount of waste created by getting rid of old and used items, and the overall negative impact on the ecosystem. Turning discarded waste into beautiful pieces of art and eclectic decor — whether in the furniture, light fixtures or plants within the cafe — was part of my overall inspiration to establish a creative space in Abu Dhabi that raises the visitors’ awareness and consciousness of their surroundings. This, in turn, plays a part in developing positive attitudes towards preserving the environmental landscape of the UAE.
Do you think people appreciate such an eco-friendly message in Abu Dhabi?
Absolutely. With the numerous initiatives the Abu Dhabi Government is taking to promote environmental awareness, the public now is learning more and more to appreciate projects that have an overall positive attitude and impact within their community. I also wanted an eco-friendly space that encourages innovative and intellectual discussion.
How do you select the artists for the pieces on the walls?
As part of the contemporary and relaxed atmosphere, we have some great pieces of art for individuals to admire and purchase. We focus on giving an opportunity for young up-and-coming artists to display their artwork.
As for the menu, what are your special items?
Home-grown and local products are the best words to describe the menu at the Art House Café. Currently the menu consists of a selection of international gourmet snacks and bites, as well as wholesome homemade burgers and fresh salads.
What else do you offer, other than a place to meet?
One aim of the Art House Café is to make art accessible to the public and encourage people to experience, shape and entice the mind through art. We have a state-of-the-art sound system to allow for intellectual discussions and poetry recitals. Free Wi-Fi is also available so people can come and work. We also have a reading-corner service, where one can hire one of the display rooms and have some quiet time, and the menu will be served to them at a press of a button.
aseaman@thenational.ae
