Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has officially inaugurated Art Dubai, the most extensive contemporary art event to be held in the Middle East.
Viewing the various works put on display, Sheikh Mohammed expressed satisfaction at the participation of elite artists at the event hosted by the UAE stressing that it is a manifestation of cultural and human rapprochement which the UAE top leadership is keenly interested in establishing with the rest of the world.
"Art provides the strongest and most friendly tool to initiate communication and harmony among cultures and communities because, unlike politics, it is easier for people to assimilate." He noted that works by great artists are immortalized and unforgettable and still feature in palaces and houses all over Arab countries and the rest of the world.
Open to the public from Thursday, 17 March until Saturday, 20 March, Art Dubai brings together artists, gallerists, curators and collectors from around the world to experience over 80 separate exhibitions presented by leading international galleries and institutions and featuring more than 500 artists, including solo exhibitions, installations, performances, talks and screenings.
Art Dubai's organizers are anticipating a substantial increase in its 2009 attendance figure of more than 14,000 visitors, reflecting the growing enthusiasm in the arts from all sectors of the local community, as well as a worldwide international following and a programme that is designed to appeal equally to the first time visitor as well as the seasoned art professional.
Highlights of Art Dubai include artworks created by the winners of the 2010 Abraaj Capital Art Prize. The hotly-anticipated pieces are History of a Myth: The Small Dome of the Rock by artist Kader Attia and curator Laurie Ann Farrell; Myths '&' Legends Room: The Mural by artist Hala Elkoussy and curator Jelle Bouwhuis; and The Feast of the Damned by artist Marwan Sahmarani and curator Mahita El Bacha Urieta. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
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