Dubai residents can look forward to a weekend of creative, entertaining and inspiring experiences at the sixth edition of the Quoz Arts Fest to be held on January 26 and 27, from 10am to 10pm. The popular community event, organised by Alserkal Avenue is a celebration of art and culture featuring a variety of free performances and activities for all ages spread across the Avenue and other art spaces in Al Quoz. The programme includes live music and dance performances, art workshops for children and adults, gallery tours, outdoor film screenings, innovative food concepts, pop-up book stores, an open-air market, and even grooming services for pets, promising a fun day out for the whole family.
Quoz Arts Fest 2018 is primarily focused on supporting home grown artists and cultural producers. The Sima Dance Company, located in Alserkal Avenue has curated a programme of contemporary dance performances by local and international troupes that is designed to encourage audience participation. Buskers and DJs will be performing around the Avenue, and local musicians have been invited to present their original compositions.
Foodies will be spoilt for choice with a wide selection of culinary concepts offered by the food trucks at the Good Vibes Market and the Avenue’s innovative dining outlets. An open-air market will be selling wares made by local creatives and the popular Art Shop will be back with a range of affordable art and design pieces. Visitors can also buy art and other books for children and adults at the pop-up book store.
The galleries and creative spaces in Al Quoz will remain open until 8pm on both days with free guided tours of their exhibitions offered to visitors. They will also host a variety of art and design workshops for children and adults and organise talks by well-known international artists.
The Jean-Paul Najar Foundation is conducting workshops for all ages on geometry in art, inspired by their current retrospective of abstract artist Olivier Mosset’s work.
Lawrie Shabibi gallery has organised the screening of Ghanian artist Serge Attukwei Clottey’s film Displaced, followed by a discussion with the artist, on January 26 at 2pm in the A4 Space Cinema room. British-Iraqi artist Athier will present a talk about his latest exhibition at Ayyam gallery, All Things Come Apart, on January 27 at 3pm at the same venue. The Jam Jar has organised an outdoor DIY painting session and exhibition of artworks created by its Youth programme participants. New Japan Photo – Issue 4 & 5, an exhibition featuring works by award-winning and emerging Japanese photographers will open at CHI-KA.
The Courtyard, across the road from the Avenue, has also lined up interesting activations. Other participating art spaces in Al Quoz include Cartoon Art gallery, Yadawei Pottery Studio, and Create Hub gallery.
Highlights of Quoz Arts Fest 2018:
- Contemporary dance programme in The Yard on January 26 and 27 includes: Introspection by UAE-based dancer Sandralee Egido at 4.30pm; Indian contemporary dance fusion set by Avega Dance Creations titled, Bhasma: Holy Circles & Sacred Death at 5pm; The Get Through by local performers Amanda and Joel at 5.30pm; Skirmish by Beirut Contemporary Ballet at 6pm; House of Bernarda Alba — a play by Federico García Lorca presented by Sima Dance Company at 6.30pm.
- Screening of Ghost Hunting by Reel Palestine & Cinema Akil in The Yard at 8pm on January 26.
- Food trucks by The Good Vibes Market.
- Folio listening and recording pop-up in A4 Space.
- Acting and Improvisation workshops at The Courtyard Playhouse for all ages from 11am to 6pm.
- Pottery wheel demonstration at 11am and workshop at Yadawei Pottery Studio at 3pm on January 26.
- Cushion making workshop at Boo-Bury’s in The Courtyard, from 10am to 5pm on January 26
- Free room styling consultations and interior design tips from Tribe Interior Designs at The Courtyard.
- Discussion on Leather and Craftsmanship at Made by Native at The Courtyard from 12 noon to 3pm on January 26.
- Screening of the film, And so do I at The Yard at 7pm on January 26.
- Workshop on Moving Together by Jens Bjerregaard at Sima Performing Arts at 1pm on January 27.
- Live painting sessions in various media by well-known artists from 10 am to 6pm on January 27, and an exhibition of comics, animation cells and tin signs at Cartoon Art Gallery.
- Live performance of Persian acapella music by Tehran Vocal Ensemble on January 27 at 7.30pm at The Fridge.
- 25 per cent discount on dog grooming services at Groovin’ Groomin’, the mobile grooming van by Shampooch stationed at the Avenue.
For more details, log on to www.alserkalavenue.ae
