1 2 3 ‘Today, we are witnessing an exciting process Art for All has a two-fold objective. First, Welcome by which the and its we want to inspire the community at the people are being transformed into a thriving, grassroots level and raise their interest and dynamic and vibrant community where involvement in the arts. Second, we want to creativity and the arts are flourishing. Be help promote emerging Emirati artists and , the capital city and largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it the advent of world-class museums, the their work amongst the public, and start an art is an emerging destination for travellers to the region. Successful in retaining its rich convening of art fairs and a biennale, film and dialogue in the community. Arabian heritage, this is a city which is forging ahead with a mission to become the heritage festivals, and much more, there is no In all of this we are inspired by the vision region’s nucleus for media and entertainment, and a hub for the creative industries. missing the fact that the arts are a prominent of our founder and her commitment to Once shy of development, Abu Dhabi is now making progress at an incredible pace and growing feature of the national fabric. At supporting the art scene in the UAE with particularly in the art and culture scene, building world-class infrastructure, the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan efforts that inspire people to become involved following environmentally friendly initiatives and becoming an engaging tourist Foundation we’re thrilled to be contributing in the arts and provide outlets which support destination. At street level there is a burgeoning grassroots art scene on which we to that dynamic process. Our founder, Her our emerging artists.’ have decided to shine some much needed light. In our exploration we discovered Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and spoke with Executive Nahyan, has long been a patron of the arts Dr. Salvatore La Spada Director Dr. Salvatore La Spada about the recent Art for All Inititive - the premier and a passionate advocate for connecting Executive Director community arts programme held under the guidance of the Her Highness Sheikha citizens to the arts. And it is in that spirit that Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan - and the arts scene in the capital. we have developed the Art for All initiative. Al Nahyan Foundation

ARABIAN DELMA WILDLIFE PARK GUGGENHEIM UAE PAVILION ISLAND ABU DHABI

SIR BANI THE LOUVRE ABU DHABI FERRARI WORLD

MIRAJ ISLAMIC YAS ISLAND CENTRE

ABU DHABI CORNICHE

EMIRATES PALACE YAS VICEROY

SHEIKH ZAYED BRIDGE

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL ZAYED MOSQUE

AL MAQTAA FORT HERITAGE THEME PARK FUTAISI ISLAND SPORTPLEX 4 5 ARTS, TALKS AND SENSATIONS

The Emirates seem to have the desire to innovate

01

forms of contemporary art to create a comprehensive whole; mixing different styles and origins, this all re- Fabrice Bousteau, considered an authority on the arts ‘The joy of art fairs is that first quires a lot of work and a profound understanding of the throughout the art world and curator of the dynamic multi-media and foremost they are spaces of art world today.’ Certainly Bousteau is more qualified than many when exhibition Arts, Talks and Sensations at Abu Dhabi Art, explains how democratisation of the arts’ it comes to having his finger on the pulse of new cultural the contemporary art scene is open to interpretation and is a channel trends: his magazine - Beaux Arts - is considered one of the most influential and avant-garde magazines on con- for experimentation. temporary art today. ‘I don’t think in terms of trends, though,’ Bousteau says, ‘I prefer to think in terms of flux – by which I mean actions, in different places around the 01 Arts, Talks and world, in different fields. Contemporary art is literally Fabrice Bousteau is a journalist, author, editor-in-chief of Bousteau used the idea of the city of Abu Dhabi, situ- Sensations in the art of today; art that is in the process of being created France’s leading arts and culture magazine – Beaux Arts, ated on the Silk Road, being a crossroads between the 2011 included right now. Mistakenly, it is often considered as a genre, previously a columnist on radio programme Tout Arrive, West and the East, a place of exchange and sharing, a performances a style and that is problematic since it limits our critical producer of Surexposition, France Culture, artistic dir- major stopover point in the journey of discovery across view of artwork. ADA promotes experimentation by in- ector and currently curator of Arts, Talks and Sensations the world of contemporary art as the starting point for 02 The multi-sensory volving artists from around the world and ATS definitely (ATS) the sensational multi-sensory exhibition running ATS. The site of the exhibition functions as an abstract exhibition running contributes to that.’ at Abu Dhabi Art (ADA). representation of this island. It represents an “exotic at Abu Dhabi Art Bousteau is particularly excited to be working in the With so much to fit into his working life, he says that haven,” with fauna and flora, spectacular “animals” and UAE, a country that is still emerging and evolving yet his priority is, ultimately, happiness. ‘I’m obsessed with unexpected “flowers.” Installations created through the with a long and varied history. He feels that this blend of doing everything I can in my life to create moments of imagination of contemporary artists constitute the land- old and new can only encourage experimentation. ‘The happiness for the people I work with, for the readers of scape of the ATS Island, which is populated by its inhab- old European countries often suffer from the weight of Beaux Arts magazine and for the visitors of the exhibi- itants - the performers who animate and put the entire their respective histories and a way of functioning that tions I curate. I work by the principle that everything we place in motion. is difficult to rejuvenate. The Emirates on the other hand do should create happiness and that is one of the reasons Internationally renowned and emerging artists were seem to have the desire to innovate. They have the means I feel so in line, spiritually, with Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat invited to build the island together. ‘Visitors are invited to do so and benefit from a relatively young population.’ Island – the island of enlightenment.’ to discover and explore the island,’ Bousteau explains, ‘to Rita Aoun-Abdo, Director of ADA is inclined to agree Arts, Talks and Sensations: The Island/A Game of Life meet the island’s inhabitants – performers, artists, story- with Bousteau’s views on this point. ‘Cultivating an art is a labyrinth of live performances, artistic installations tellers. There are different sequences; they can pass from market is an important step in the maturity of any cul- and sensory experiences. ‘I never conceive an exhibition, the Crossing to the Clearing; from the Port - a meeting tural hub. ADA’s engagement with the international arts an event or a show outside of the context of where it is place, to the Souk – a place of exchange; from the Clouds scene is integral to supporting Abu Dhabi’s evolving cul- taking place,’ Bousteau emphasises. ‘That is why, as ADA to the Animals and the Lush Flora. It is a sensorial course tural ecosystem.’ takes place on Saadiyat Island, the concept for ATS is the with avant-garde artistic installations and multiple narra- Bringing together artists from many countries, who island. The island is, from a philosophical point of view, tions. Live dance performances, a series of video installa- work in different media, to collaborate with each other, a reflection of the world in miniature. Islands are labor- tions, a programme of films about islands and many other can only enhance this new contemporary arts landscape. atories. From the start I was asked to create through ATS surprises are scheduled for the two month period.’ ‘I hope,’ concludes Bousteau, ‘that through ATS, we are an island for the public; an island of reflection, of exper- For a spectacle of this magnitude Bousteau admits reflecting the spirit of Abu Dhabi itself for this is a city iences with contributions from artists from various cul- that a major challenge ‘arises from the multi-disciplinary which brings together cultures and audiences from all tures and horizons.’ character of the event. Harmoniously combining various 02 four corners of the globe.’

6 7 ART IN BUILDING ARTISTIC THE CAPITAL FOUNDATIONS

Boasting two annual art fairs, the United Arab Emirates is always looking to add something new and exciting for its visitors. The only art fair in the captial, Abu Dhabi Art, promises to be bigger and better than previously. Here we look at the different sections of the fair.

05

Signature is the section of ADA which offers Founded in 2010 the Sheikha Salama bint to promote emerging Emirati artists and the opportunity to present emerging artists Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation (SSHF) was support them in their quest to unlocking Visit the exhibition to the international art world in a solo show. established to create an artistic platform for potential.’ The exhibition will make a final It gives a dedicated snapshot of younger tal- those who live and work in the Emirates. By With a view to implementing programmes appearance at the Community ent in galleries from across the globe, one of realising the full potential and aspirations of throughout the year that will help trans- Pavilion during Abu Dhabi Art, which is Galerie Janine Rubeiz, established the creative minded, the foundation is devel- form Abu Dhabi SSHF, it has supported the between the 7th-11th November. in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1993 by Nadine Beg- oping and supporting charitable initiatives UAE art scene with various initiatives over In addition to the exhibition, the dache, daughter of Janine Rubeiz, founder in the areas of education; arts, culture and the years. Alia Lootah, Dana Al Mazroui, featured artists will also take part in of Dar el-Fan art space. The gallery seeks heritage; and the environment. Hamdan Al Shamsi, Maitha Deimthan and the Public Programme at Abu Dhabi to promote Lebanese contemporary art by As a child Her Highness Sheikha Salama Shamsa Al Omeira are five of the UAE’s most Art on the 9th November, where young artists. bint Hamdan Al Nahyan eagerly explored promising contemporary artists selected, to they will discuss their experience in At ADA, one of the artists Begdache will her world through painting, writing and cre- showcase their works as part of Art for All’s exhibiting at a public spaces and the be presenting is Mazen Kerbaj who will ating - anything artistic, ‘I have always been debut touring exhibition: Between Private concept of public and private lives. be drawing and painting on-site every day an instinctively visual person. Perhaps, not and Public. 01 02 enclosed in a clear cube, observed by all, cre- surprisingly then, this is the way I naturally These young artists are also be featured ating, in effect, an exhibition within an ex- connect with my surroundings: I experi- as part of the Art, Talks and Sensations hibition. His installation and performance is ence new things by seeing them first, which programme at Abu Dhabi Art in which they called Don’t Feed the Artist. Kerbaj, born in explains why the arts and the creative world will talk about their experience in exhibiting 1975 in Beirut, is equally recognised for his are so inspiring to me.’ at a public space and the concept of public music as he is for his art, comics and paint- With a genuine wish to share her journey and private lives. 01 A piece of art part of the CDA Project ing and can often be found with a trumpet of personal development, Sheikha Salama 02 A design piece represented by Athr Gallery and a paintbrush in his hands. He embraces was inspired and this is what led to the — 03 The UAE Pavilion on Saadiyat Island improvisation in much of his work. formation of the Sheikha Salama bint For more information about Art for All 04 From Signature during ADA 2011 Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation in 2010. ‘I and its programmes and to register for 05 Art for All exhibition taking place in the mall Beyond showcases monumental artworks believe that we can all help each other, our the workshops visit www.sshf.ae 06 Emiratis observing the Art for All initiative that to go beyond the structural limits of community and our world.’ the gallery booths. This year, the installa- The work of the Foundation is not only 03 04 tions and larger-than-life sculptures will be her commitment to this responsibility, but brought inside to the public arena, sharing more importantly a professional frame- Saadiyat Cultural District comes into its Bidaya, from the word ‘beginning,’ the space with visitors and gallery booths. work from which to educate, explore and own with the arrival of the fourth edition of offers galleries less than three years old the Athr Gallery, from Jeddah, was empower each other to collectively create Abu Dhabi Art (ADA) which takes over the opportunity to showcase their artists and established in 2009 by Hamza Serafi, a driv- sustainable and lasting connections. impressive UAE Pavilion. Designed by Lord programmes on an international stage. Istan- ing force behind the art movement in Saudi In October 2012, SSHF launched a project Norman Foster, it was originally constructed bul-based Galleri Zilberman, opened in 2008 Arabia, and Mohammed Hafiz. Both are on that focused on promoting the importance of for the Shanghai World Expo 2010, where by Moiz Zilberman. In 2010 Zilberman star- Edge of Arabia’s board of advisers. arts through the community and celebrates it stayed for six months with an exhibition ted CDA-Projects to support young artists The gallery represents a range of contem- the talent of Emirati artists. Held under the on the history of the UAE. It then relocated from in developing more experi- porary Saudi and Arab artists, working in a guidance and leadership of Sheikha Salama, to its permanent home beside Manarat Al mental projects and to nurture dialogue in variety of media. It aims to create an arena Art for All is a platform to help build new Saadiyat. The Pavilion emerges from the contemporary art. The artists CDA-Projects for dialogue and cultivate new understand- audiences for the arts and support local landscape with two dune-shaped peaks, the will be representing at ADA include Adel ings of collective meanings and value. artists through a series of programmes that highest of which is 20m tall. The fair, split Abidin, who works with installations, video One of the artists Athr Gallery will be rep- over time will help transform the UAE and into different sections – Bidaya, Signature and photography; the Turkish photographer resenting is former athlete and Saudi artist its people into pioneers for the art industry. and Beyond – will be showcasing the works Ahmet Elhan and installation artist, sculptor Ibrahim Abumsmar. A champion swimmer, Sheikha Salama says that Art for All ‘is the from leading international art galleries. ADA and painter Ipek Duben whose Artists’ he went on to study painting, drawing, result of our wish to inspire the community 2012 will include 50 galleries representing Books focus on identity, domestic violence design and photography becoming well at a grassroots level and raise their interest approximately 400 artists from 20 countries, and migration and are exhibited variously as known for his thought provoking installa- in the arts by making it more accessible. including 10 newly established galleries. light, sound and video installations. tions across the Middle East. Additionally, it is our duty as a community 06

8 9 Aljoud Lootah is a graphic and fashion ON THE WINGS designer and founder of Niftee, an Emirati web-based fashion brand which came OF SUCCESS about as part of Lootah’s graduation Nada Khalid was born in 1988 in Dubai. project. Born and raised in Dubai, Lootah Artistic from a young age, Khalid majored in established Niftee in 2007. Specialising in visual arts, photography and graphic design bespoke fashion and accessories including whilst at Zayed University where she also cashmere and silk shawls, t-shirts, dresses, participated in exhibitions such as Mix jumpsuits and iPhone accessories, Niftee Colab, Sikka Art Fair, Catalyst in Dubai and Six Emirati artists won the 2012 Abu Dhabi Art Wings Project, a already has an impressive client list. Emerge in . In June 2011, she graduated ‘My designs often include intricate de- with a BA in Art and Design. Of her style, competition for emerging artists and designers to re-create the tails and elements inspired by the Emirati Khalid says, ‘I am very traditional. I love Abu Dhabi Art Wing logo in their own style. Here we discover what culture and traditions,’ Lootah explains. working with pencils first whenever I start ‘I incorporate Arabic calligraphy and Ar- a piece of art work, so for this competition, Shuttle to the Arts inspired their winning designs. abesque motifs to reflect my Arabic roots. I took a piece of paper and drew a falcon I designed a traditional Arabesque pattern which is an icon of freedom and strength. With vast distances between some to form the shape of the Abu Dhabi Art I developed this and succeeded in creating of the Emirate’s cultural melting Wing and included the words “Abu Dhabi” a dynamic logo from the repetition of the pots, the UAE’s shuttle to the arts, written in freestyle Arabic calligraphy.’ falcon and the layers of colour. the ArtBus, provides guided tours Lootah is thrilled to have been selected Khalid is delighted to have been selected of the city’s prominent galleries, as one of ADA’s Wing designers for the as one of the winning designers of the wings studios, art centres, alternative art second year running. ‘It’s an honour,’ she project. ‘It has motivated me to create more spaces and art fairs. says, ‘to have my designs used at a leading art,’ she says. Launched in 2007, during the art fair; a platform that exposes emerging first edition of Art Dubai, to spread designers and artists to members of the Wafa AlQasaimi, an Arts and Design awareness of galleries based in global art and design community. graduate of Zayed University, is a poet and the UAE as well as of all other arts calligraphy-based artist. Her work ranges initiatives, to the international crowd Hajer Al Tenaiji was born in 1982 in Abu from site-specific traditional installations that flocks to the city during the Dhabi and works in media relations as a to illustrating and drawing. For the past six event, the project has gone from full-time graphic designer and illustrator. years, heritage has been an ongoing theme strength to strength. She is the winner of several design awards in her work as she investigates the contrasts The ArtBus aims to create a including first prize in the Dubai Art between contemporary and traditional, hassle-free ride without the stresses Creativity Award for best Emirati online reductive and ornamental calligraphy. of traffic or parking within the design portfolio in 2004 and the Al Burda ‘For my wing design,’ she explains, ‘I tried Emirate while providing a reliable, Award by the Ministry of Culture, Youth to mix elements which represent our UAE informative and enjoyable experi- and Community Development in 2007. heritage – henna, the Bedouin tent, tradi- ence with trained art guides offering Of her artistic style, Al Tenaiji describes tional customs and Arabic coffee. My main a programme of gallery exhibitions, it as ‘realism vector art with a colourful and aim was to transform the traditional drawing events, talks and performances. feminine twist.’ For her winning wing, she into a digital version to create an unusual The ArtBus has built longstanding adapted her style using landmarks of Abu and elegant effect.’ relationships with local galleries Aljoud Lootah Hajer Al Tenaiji Khaled Al Jabri Dhabi as the basis of her design. ‘I took AlQasaimi has had her artworks exhibited in Abu Dhabi and Dubai alongside two main elements Sheikh Zayed Bridge in private and public exhibitions through- projects such as Abu Dhabi Art and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. My out the UAE and France and she says that Fair, Arts Abu Dhabi, Art Dubai, Al design represents the role of Abu Dhabi in ‘since the huge success of the Artyfact store Bastakiya Art Fair, Dubai Interna- bridging global cultures whilst maintaining last year, I really wanted to be part of this tional Film Festival, Biennial, the identity of the emirate.’ year’s competition. Now that I have achieved Sikka Art Fair, Sharjah Art Museum Al Tenaiji sees winning this competition this goal, I feel that I have fulfilled my own and TDIC. ‘as a great opportunity to showcase my standard of satisfaction and I’m so proud to ArtBus passengers are also able work and represent Abu Dhabi Art brand- be one of the winners.’ to visit talks, design workshops and ing. It is one of the most renowned art fairs exhibitions including Art, Talks and in the world.’ Ahmad AlDhaheri is a Bedouin Emirati artist Sensations, The Island/ A Game of from Al Ain. His work is inspired by his Life by curator Fabrice Bousteau Khaled Al Jabri is an Emirati caricaturist, culture and heritage as well as contemporary as well as ongoing exhibitions The born in Abu Dhabi in 1978. He has worked notions. Balancing old and new, the past and Saadiyat Story and Eco Future which for various newspapers and has particip- present, is an integral part of his life. For the take place alongside the fair at ated in several group and solo exhibitions. competition, he decided to work his design Manarat Al Saadiyat. A successful commercial artist he has also around a mythical creature he often draws - As part of the collaboration created a collection of pictorial stories a lady-lioness. ‘I had one of those moments between ArtintheCity and Abu Dhabi titled Time Machine and Other Stories and when the design came together suddenly in Art, the ArtBus will again feature has published two series of short stories as my head; it was an electric shock feeling,’ artwork from the winners of the well as a novel - The Nomadic. he says. He used in the wing design to Wings Project, transforming it into He was delighted when he found out demonstrate his admiration for his Bedouin a moving artwork. Nada Khalid Wafa AlQasaimi Ahmad AlDhaheri about the Wings competition. ‘I felt like culture and experimented with how he The ArtBus will be providing I was presented with a new and exciting could simplify the lady-lioness image to use daily excursions to Abu Dhabi Art, challenge. What inspired me is my work as just one element that would ‘represent my accompanied by art guides who will an illustrator and as I enjoy creating car- beloved city, Abu Dhabi.’ assist passengers with navigating toons I designed the wing in a cartoon style Winning the competition has been a great the fair programmes. Running to reflect childhood dreams and ambitions.’ accomplishment for AlDhaheri: ‘It made me consecutively on four days from Winning the competition, Al Jabri realise how much freedom I can have with 7th to 10th November, the ArtBus explains, has ‘given me more confidence my creativity. I can go on to achieve bigger will depart daily from thejamjar in in my talent and pride that ADA supports and better things. I realise that we can never Al Quoz, Dubai, at 2pm and will young artists like me. I hope to be a famous anticipate what opportunities will and when leave Manarat Al Saadiyat at 9pm, Emirati cartoonist of this country globally.’ come our way.’ returning to Dubai.

10 11 A DAY IN ABU DHABI

The trouble isn’t what to see, but how to fit it all in. Unlike its flamboyant neighbour Dubai, Abu Dhabi doesn’t boast the tallest, biggest, most luxurious of anything, nor does it profess to be a playground. An Emirate of contrasts, it has something for everyone.

10am — Noon — 2pm — 8pm — Hit the Corniche before it End up at the Heritage Village Well worth a visit for sheer en- The five star hotels in Abu Dhabi starts to get too warm. Enjoy a (Marina Mall Breakwater 971 2 tertainment value is the lavish, are of architectural triumph. walk along eight kilometres of 681 4455) for a taste of the Emir- opulent and quite enormous Round off the night at Jumeirah picturesque seaside walkways. ate’s past. Enjoy this reconstruc- seven star Emirates Palace Hotel at Etihad Towers which ticks Glance inland and appreciate tion of a Bedouin encampment (emiratespalace.com 971 2 690 all the boxes when it comes to the city’s evolving backdrop of complete with campfire, work- 9000). Described as the Taj understated luxury and boasts skyscrapers or enjoy the gold shops by craftsmen demonstrat- Mahal of the Middle East, and an observation deck offering the sands, turquoise sea and waters- ing traditional skills and a little allegedly the most expensive highest viewing point in Abu ports, (971 50 781 2312 Empros, spice shop to stock up on dried hotel ever built, this is for those Dhabi from which to get a full Intercontinental Hotel). herbs and handmade soap. who want the royal treatment. 360 of the Emirate.

10pm — Noon — 1pm — 6pm — If you’re in the mood to up the In the morning take in some If it’s Friday it’s got to be brunch Drive past the majestic tempo, head over to the fastest culture and head over to Man- at the unashamedly blingy Pearls Sheikh Zayed Mosque situated growing part of town – Yas arat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi’s & Caviar. Savour hot grills, at the entrance to Abu Dhabi Island. A venue for some of the developing cultural district. a mojito bar and a live sushi City Island (you can’t go in biggest names in music, there Already home to Abu Dhabi Art station. Seafood delicacies with on Friday, but try and return are a number of diversions to Fair, this area will become the a Mediterranean slant tantalise Sun-Thurs as it’s well worth the keep you entertained. An 18-hole hub of arts and culture in the the tastebuds. Long beaded sil- visit.) A stunning piece of archi- golf course, a Formula 1 circuit city once the Louvre, Gug- ver strings hang from the ceiling tecture in its own right, this and Ferrari World are just some genheim and Zayed National and the mosaic floor just adds to is the third largest mosque in of the things. Museum are completed. the sparkle. the world.

12