Dubai to become giant art gallery

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, launches Dubai Speaks to You, a project bringing together the country’s best artists in a celebration of the city and its people. “Dubai is your canvas,” he told the young artists who attended. Courtesy Dubai Government Media OfficeShow less

DUBAI // The city is set to become a giant, open-air gallery, with striking installations, sculptures and street art to be installed in popular spots.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Monday launched Dubai Speaks to You, a project bringing together the country’s best artists in a celebration of the city and its people.

“We are giving you the opportunity to make your city into an open-air museum. Dubai is your canvas,” Sheikh Mohammed told young artists attending a function at the Dubai Government’s Media Office.

“We celebrate innovation, art and beauty. Your talent and creativity will invite visitors, citizens and residents to explore the many facets of Dubai’s rich diversity and pioneering spirit.

“And this is an invitation to all artists in the UAE who want to participate in this project.”

The project, the inaugural initiative of Brand Dubai, will be run in collaboration with property developers and the artists.

Artists’ impressions and photographs displayed at Monday’s event showed how the artworks could be used on Dubai Metro infrastructure, to beautify key road tunnels and as centrepieces in plazas and parks.

“Dubai’s artists, innovators and creative talent are integral partners in its development and through their work they can capture its unique essence and voice,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

He said Dubai’s rapid growth into a global city went far beyond mega-projects and construction.

“Our country has the best talents in the region,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“I call creative minds from across the Emirates to participate in building this museum.”

Brand Dubai will work with Nakheel, Meydan, Emaar, Dubai Holding and Meraas Holding to ensure prime locations across the city are available for artists to work on.

“From the moment a visitor lands in our city until the moment he or she leaves, we want Dubai to surprise and delight them,” said Mona Al Marri, director general of the Media Office.

“We want Dubai to linger in people’s minds.

“Other than a city’s architectural landmarks, and we have plenty of those, the true soul of a city is its culture, its heritage, its creators and innovators.

“Dubai attracts millions of tourists every year, and we are an incredibly multicultural city with expatriates from around the world.

“These communities contribute to making Dubai a rich cultural mosaic. Public spaces are the essence of the look and feel of a city, and this is why we are launching this project.”

Ms Al Marri said that Brand Dubai would coordinate with property developers and artists and a set of criteria would be put together before a final decision was made on the selection of proposed works.