Advancing art all year round

Art Dubai plays a vital role in fostering local artistic talent, but more can be done

Visitors stand in front of “Mona Lisa Red”, by Russian artist George Pusenkoff at Art Dubai. Marwan Naamani / AFP

Amid a growing culture of art in the UAE, Art Dubai celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, opening a window onto local, regional and international art. Like other large-scale art fairs, including Abu Dhabi Art, such an event brings to the country leading international artists, collectors, museum directors and other art professionals.

It also helps foster the local cultural scene and drive community engagement and appreciation of visual art. It’s clear that the local population is now more involved with arts than even before.

But while we celebrate Art Dubai, we should also consider how to celebrate art throughout the year, starting from schools, to small galleries and art events. We need to instil the love of art in our children from a very young age. Incorporating art as a subject in its own right in the school curriculum has proven to be effective in developing children’s skills, including motor skills, language skills, visual learning, inventiveness and cultural awareness, as well as an overall improved academic performance.

While focusing on Stem subjects is essential, we should not forgo the role of art. Investing in art education can also drive a long-term economic benefits for the country by fostering creativity and innovation in young people, which are two of the most required skills in the 21st century’s job market.

We can also do more to support aspiring artists who wish to express themselves and tell our story to the world. Art, after all, is one way to document history as it is being made and preserve the culture for the future generations. The UAE has its unique perspectives that can only be told by its own people. For example, Abdul Qader Al Rais is one Emirati artist who has a unique style of work depicting local scenes and culture. We have to support more artists and help them develop their own styles.

As the cultural landscape of the UAE continues to develop, with the Saadiyat Cultural District – which includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi – is being built, it only makes sense that the UAE advance arts education and support. The two go hand in hand. Events like Art Dubai are enormously important; the real challenge is to foster the love of art for the other 51 weeks of the year.