Artists, scholars, dignitaries and art lovers gathered at Emirates Palace Gallery this weekend as the Emirates Fine Arts Society, supported by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, launched the UAE Art Archive – a definitive resource of over 10,000 historical items documenting the UAE's visual arts sector. Launched by Nasser Abdullah, Chairman of the Emirates Fine Arts Society and Ali Al Abdan, Artist and UAE Art Archive Project Manager, the two welcomed an audience for a fascinating talk about the process behind the building of the archive and the importance of documenting the UAE's visual arts history. Commenting on the launch, Nasser Abdullah said: "This archive is the first initiative to comprehensively collate documents tracing the 35-year evolution of visual arts in the UAE, making them accessible to all. The online platform will store up to 10,000 books, magazines and catalogues published by the Emirates Fine Arts Society since its foundation in 1980. These historical artefacts are complemented by news paper clippings and reports, as well as other archival artefacts and documents, all of which are catalogued chronologically." Designed to offer access to historical files for researches, scholars, artists and people interested in the UAE's visual arts sector, the UAE Art Archive is a free resource for people to access and will continue to evolve and expand, documenting the UAE's art journey into the future. The archive can be accessed via http://uaeartarchive.ae. The Abu Dhabi Festival takes place across the UAE, from 3–30 April, 2016. For further information on Abu Dhabi Festival 2016 tickets, schedules, venues and performances please visit the Festival website www.abudhabifestival.ae. Abu Dhabi Festival can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (ADFestival). View an interactive version of ADMAF's special 20th anniversary publication and film on admaf20.com. About ADMAF The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision. The Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development. It was established in 1996 by Her Excellency Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo. ADMAF's broad range of initiatives - including the Abu Dhabi Festival, year-round education and community programmes and The Nationals' Gallery - brings together audiences of all ages and nationalities. Through them, it nurtures the creative talent of the UAE and beyond, in partnership with leading national and international institutions.
