Dubai: Dubai is upping the ante in converting the city into an open art gallery. Selected young artists can now choose their spot to channel their creative energies and transform it into a public artwork.
Brand Dubai, an initiative launched by the Dubai Media Office, launched ‘Choose Your Spot’, a new initiative that encourages young artists to pick locations in Dubai that they can transform into an artwork.
Brand Dubai launched the programme with the belief that artists themselves are the best people to choose the locations for their artwork. Brand Dubai will coordinate such projects with public and private entities in the emirate.
The ‘Choose Your Spot’ initiative was launched during a meeting hosted by Brand Dubai with 30 young artists. The artists expressed their interest in participating in this initiative, hoping to add a new dimension to the city’s cultural and artistic scene. They also aim to enhance the city’s image as a business and financial global hub, and further highlight the emirate’s innovative aspects.
“After His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched ‘Dubai Speaks to You’, the Brand Dubai team developed innovative ideas, and these ideas were commenced on ground. Therefore, we are keen to sustain communication with artists to discuss latest development and listen to their creative ideas,” said Noora Al Abbar, Director of Communication and Innovation in the Government of Dubai Media Office.
“Many outstanding projects have been completed over the past few months. We started with the Union House hoarding to the parking in Emaar Boulevard and Global Village. The next phase will witness cooperation with major real estate developers, public and private entities and artists,” she added.
The meeting also discussed future projects and suggested sites for Brand Dubai’s flagship ‘Dubai Speaks to You’. The participating artists were also briefed on the work strategy, time-frames and concepts. During the meeting, the artists presented their proposals. They also selected the locations to host their artworks.
The participating artists expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the government’s support, which reflects a deep understanding of the value of art in enriching people’s life and catalysing innovation and creativity.
This initiative is just one of the many initiatives of art expressions through street art across the city.
On November 29 and 30, Dubai will also spray paint the UAE’s rich history and future in the world’s longest graffiti scroll at 2,180 metres, almost thrice the height of Burj Khalifa. Once finished, it is expected to break the Guinness World Record created in Argentina last year.
The graffiti, which will be called ‘Our Journey’, will resemble the UAE’s map featuring the seven emirates in time for its 43rd National Day.
