Art Dubai celebrates its ninth year Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette
Art Dubai is undoubtedly the biggest international art fair in the Middle East. Back with its ninth edition, the popular art fair took place at Madinat Jumeirah, from March 18-21. The culturally dynamic affair is home to thousands of art enthusiasts including visitors, exhibitors, curators, collectors and museum directors from all around the world. Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, this year's Art Dubai included 92 modern and contemporary galleries from 40 countries and works by 500 artists from the UAE and across the world. Their interactive programs contained a series of talks, performances and curator-led tours. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is a strategic partner of Art Dubai, which is held in partnership with The Abraaj Group and is sponsored by Julius Baer and Emaar. The three gallery programs included: Contemporary, Modern, and Marker. This year's Global Art Forum revolves around the themes of innovation and technology, marking their impact on the art world. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority launched ‘Fada'aat', a special exhibition focused on Emirati heritage, on 18th of March. RCA Secret Dubai is an anonymous postcard exhibition that was introduced by Paul Smith and The Royal College of Art that includes over 1000 unique pieces that are available to the public for AED 500 each. Art Dubai Commissions gathers works by mid-career artists. Tasks featured sound-based works by Umashankar and the Earchaeologists. Alongside Art Dubai, UAE will play host to various other art and cultural events including SIKKA Art Fair, Sharjah Biennial 12, Arts Nights at Gate Village, the Global Art Forum, Design Days Dubai (DDD), Galleries Night at Alserkal Avenue and Al Quoz among others. For more information about Dubai Art Week 2015, visit www.artweek.ae
