We live in a rapidly changing world and ours is an emerging region, which is rich in promise. Our society is both deeply rooted and multicultural. It is a world that is open to other cultures while remaining true to itself. Therefore, it is vital that young people are given the opportunity to sow the seeds of their vision for their future. However, such a vision cannot be created in the classroom alone; it must include creative experiences.
Arts and culture are the perfect foundation upon which to build a society that develops well-rounded leaders. Culture has the power to bind societies, strengthen local communities and forge a sense of identity. The arts have the ability to transform, nourish creativity, stimulate innovative progress and catalyse entrepreneurship. Together, arts and culture have the power to stimulate youth development and cultivate civic engagement.
In the UAE’s Vision 2021, our leadership bequeaths to future generations a legacy worthy of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of this great nation. It is a legacy built upon tolerance and understanding; an enterprising spirit and a robust economy, thereby creating the well-rounded nature of Emirati society. Thus, the appetite for modernisation is complemented by an appreciation of heritage, which will ensure that the past and future seamlessly align and allow for cultural vitality at the nation’s core. Arts and culture are the perfect guiding principles for the young. The leadership has set the task – it is up to the youth to do it.
We believe that within arts and culture lie the creative tools by which the next generation can re-imagine their lives and transform the world that they will inherit. This is how they can push the boundaries of their own minds. Only by empowering our youth in this way, can the future be one in which the leaders act as a bridge between cultures.
At the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (Admaf), experience has taught us that the “experiential format” is successful in engaging audiences. Not only does it help develop their skills but also makes them more motivated and encourages a more creative outlook. Our year-round programmes stimulate the young to take part in conversations about their cultural identity and then, they share it with the interconnected world.
This year’s Festival – which includes a diverse line-up of concerts, plays, workshops, discussions and exhibitions across the UAE – is inspired by a particular theme, which is “Idea: The Seed of Invention”. It will confirm Admaf as one of the region’s leading cultural organisations as well as reinforce its commitment to empowering youth, a mission that sits at the core of everything we do.
We want Admaf to be a cultural spark that ignites the engine of creativity and invention. Where this will take us is for the next generation of Emiratis to answer.
Arts and culture are an important pillar of society, both to uphold and to develop it. We need an education, which covers science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Our aim is to foster the creation of a diverse nation, beyond oil, in which ideas can blossom.
As the UAE’s international standing continues to grow, model Emirati citizens must grow with it. They must look outward, confident of their own culture, and develop a deeper understanding of and respect for different backgrounds through the commonality of emotion, through the exchange of ideas, values, traditions and other aspects of culture and identity. Admaf equips the UAE with the language and tools with which to do this and the resulting experience and confidence to interact internationally.
Only when one appreciates one’s own arts and culture, can one appreciate that of others. And in so doing, one unites the world.
Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo is founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Festival
