How schools and universities can pave the way for Dubai's creative rise

Dubai aims to double the value of its creative sector under ambitious plans unveiled on Saturday

A workshop organised by Dubai Performing Arts. Courtesy: Dubai Performing Arts

A major drive to boost Dubai's creative sector has been hailed by schools and universities set to develop the next wave of talent.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said on Saturday the government aims to increase the GDP contributions of the creative and arts sectors from 2.6 per cent to 5 per cent.

This vision calls for the number of companies and employees operating in the sector to double by 2025.

Education experts predicted a surge in interest in creative courses.

The National spoke to some of those helping to harness the potential of young minds.

A push for performing arts

Dubai British School Jumeirah Park launched a BTEC Level 3 qualification in performing arts last year.

“The news that the arts will be a major driver for the future of Dubai and that there will be many more opportunities for professional entertainers is greatly encouraging to us all," said Rebecca Coulter, principal designate at the school.

"This optimism is reflected in the increasing number of sixth form pupils applying for next year’s course.

"We have long since recognised the importance and benefits of offering a pathway in the performing arts in schools, Ms Coulter said.

"I am sure that this announcement will further encourage young people to pursue a career in the performing arts, knowing that there is such support from the highest of levels."

Education provider Taaleem partnered with Dubai Performing Arts – founded by Lisa Scott-Lee and Johnny Shentall-Lee – to launched the BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts qualification last year.

The two-year programme will feature 720 guided learning hours split across multiples units and will be equivalent to two A levels.

Switched on for game design

Gaming is not just a popular pastime but also a growing career choice, with local schools offering qualifications in game design and Esports. Victor Besa / The National

Last month, Gems FirstPoint School The Villa launched BTEC courses in digital game design and Esports.

The Esports qualification aims to provide learners with an understanding of the video game competition industry and careers in the sector.

The BTEC courses will be offered from September at the Dubai school.

Pupils will have access to industry-level hardware and software, while classes will be held in a specially created creative media suite and immersive room.

“Our school continues to respond to the evolving needs of industry and listen to pupil's voices, and personalising the pathways we provide for them," said Matthew Tompkins, principal at Gems FirstPoint.

The BTEC in International Esports and international Creative Media Game Design qualifications will be taught by industry-qualified teachers.

The courses will be an option for pupils in years 12 and 13, aged 16 to 18.

Esports will also be offered as an extracurricular activity for all year groups across the school.

A chance to master your art

Abu Dhabi, October, 10 2019: Mariet Westermann the new Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi pose during the interview in Abu Dhabi. Satish Kumar/ For the National

New York University Abu Dhabi will launch a Master of Fine Arts in Arts and Media degree in September.

The two-year, full-time programme features interdisciplinary studio art theory and practice.

"The country is an incredible laboratory for the development ... I think of media-based arts in general, the arts as a source of cultural flourishing and a source of societal flourishing," said Dr Mariet Westermann, vice chancellor of New York University Abu Dhabi.

"Of course, STEM disciplines are of great interest to knowledge economies, but we care just as much about other disciplines."

Maya Allison, executive director of NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery and chief curator at NYU Abu Dhabi, also welcomed the move.

"There is no shortage of students who would gladly work in the arts, on all its different facets – not just as artists, but in the many roles that go into the world of art presentations.

"I believe that the growth of the UAE's cultural sector that we have seen has already led to a surge in arts-specialised employment, even in the decade in which I've been working here," said Ms Allison.

"This means a wider variety of people settling in the UAE, for a wonderfully rich conversation."

Art Dubai 2021 showcases the emirate's creative culture

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  A portrait of Mame Kewe Aminata Lo by Kehinde Wiley at Galerie Templon, Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A piece by Abdoulaye Konate at Gallery 1957, Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Afifa Aleiby's 'Sunset' sold at Art Dubai on its first day. On view at Kristin Hjellegjerde Gallery booth. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  James Clar's 'Taking a ride with my best friend' at the booth of Silverlens, a gallery from Manila, at Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A visitor at the Athr Gallery booth at Art Dubai 2021, which runs until Saturday, April 3. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Dastan's Basement from Tehran features playful works by Iman Raad, Mamali Shafahi, Taba & Shooki, Farrokh Mahdavi and Yousha Bashir at Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A woman visits oil on canvas paintings by Ayesha Sultana of the Experimenter gallery in 14th edition of Art Dubai. AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili

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  A visitor with the work of Anish Kapoor called 'Random Triangle Mirror' at Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Fleeting Stains by Nahla Tabbaa, part of Campus Art Dubai's presentation at Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Prints by Marwan at Meem gallery booth at Art Dubai 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National