UAE: Art Dubai, the prestigious international art fair, has revealed the exciting lineup for its highly anticipated 17th edition, set to captivate art enthusiasts from March 1 to March 3 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. With previews scheduled on February 28 and 29, the event promises a multifaceted experience celebrating creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.
At the heart of the event lies a series of newly commissioned performances exploring themes of healing, hope, and the transformative power of art in tumultuous times. Pablo del Val, Art Dubai’s Artistic Director, expressed, “Art fairs like Art Dubai have a responsibility to be far more than commercial platforms. Our program this year reflects the increasingly diverse and multicultural communities of our home city, providing more opportunities than ever for artists from across the Global South.”
The centerpiece of Art Dubai’s intellectual discourse is the Global Art Forum curated by Commissioner Shumon Basar and Curator Nadine El-Khoury. This year’s forum titled “Whether or Not” will delve into the global occurrence of extreme weather and change.
Benedetta Ghione, Art Dubai’s Executive Director, emphasized, “Our year-round education, scholarship, and thought-leadership programs, developed alongside our long-term partners, create significant opportunities for people from all over the world to build careers in the creative industries in Dubai.”
In addition to thought-provoking talks and discussions, the event boasts an expanded conference program, including the inaugural Art Dubai Digital Summit, aimed at shaping Dubai’s digital art ecosystem. Further, collaborations with local and international partners highlight Art Dubai’s commitment to supporting creative communities and redefining the role of art fairs in cultural ecosystems.
Art Dubai also places a strong emphasis on education, with initiatives such as the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme and the Campus Art Dubai professional development program. These initiatives aim to nurture emerging talent and provide hands-on experience to recent graduates, fostering a vibrant arts scene in the region.
Furthermore, the event will feature major exhibitions and commissions, including presentations by the Dubai Collection, showcasing the city’s first institutional collection of modern and contemporary art. New commissions and premieres by internationally renowned artists will be highlighted, alongside immersive experiences like ‘Heart Space’ by digital artist Krista Kim, presented by Julius Baer.
Art Dubai Week extends the cultural celebration beyond the fair, with exhibitions and events happening across the UAE. From gallery openings to museum showcases, the week-long extravaganza promises a diverse range of artistic experiences for all. With its ambitious program and dynamic partnerships, this edition of Art Dubai promises to be a transformative experience for artists, collectors, and enthusiasts alike.
