Abu Dhabi Art to welcome visitors back this November

Lamya Gargash’s photography was displayed in the exhibition Gateway: Fragments, Yesterday and Today at Abu Dhabi Art in 2019. Reem Mohammed / The National

Abu Dhabi Art will be held in person this winter.

The prestigious art fair will welcome visitors at Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 18 to 21, Abu Dhabi Media Office said on Wednesday.

Last year's event was held online because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Exhibits will include installations across the emirate, from Liwa to Al Ain, and extended programming to support the local creative scene throughout the year. Some digital elements introduced last year will be retained.

“Abu Dhabi Art is a platform for cultural connectivity, bringing together artists, galleries, institutions and arts professionals and fostering innovation and creativity by connecting them,” said Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi Art will take part in physical format this year not despite, but because of the challenges that have faced the art ecosystem during the pandemic, because it has been able to adapt and still contribute to cultural growth and to the art market in these challenging times.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors and the community back to the fair this November.”

The fair’s 2021 visual campaign is designed by UAE-based artists Ayesha Hadhir, Rawdha Al Ketbi and Shaikha Al Ketbi, and explores the idea of transformation in different environments, from seascapes and the desert to abandoned cities.

“Abu Dhabi is one of the safest places in the world to visit in 2021 and we are excited to announce that we will welcome visitors to our programme at Manarat Al Saadiyat at the end of the year, adhering to all necessary health and safety regulations,” said Saood Al Hosani, undersecretary at the department.

“Abu Dhabi Art is now an important marker in the global cultural calendar, and a key initiative that reflects Abu Dhabi as a culturally active and artistically conscious city.”

More details on the guest artists, curators and emirate-wide programming are expected over the next few months.

Applications are open for galleries wishing to stage exhibitions. More information can be found at www.abudhabiart.ae.