Abu Dhabi: Desert Islands resort has taken a step ahead — beyond its mission for wildlife and nature conservation — to embrace and foster budding Emirati artists.
The nature-rich archipelago's developer, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), is sponsoring Emirati artist Jalal Luqman's initiative "Jalal's Art Trip", which supports the next generation of Emirati artists. In line with the Abu Dhabi's mandate of becoming an international art and culture capital, TDIC chose Sir Bani Yas Island, with its backdrop of natural beauty and wildlife diversity, to inspire the local community of artists.
Theme
The 15 art students experienced a full-day art trip to Sir Bani Yas Island where they were given the opportunity to create their own canvases that fit into the overall trip theme of nature and wildlife.
"I remember how hard it was to become an artist [20 years ago], and how scarce support was, there was little if any support by individuals or organisations who supported art or artists, and that is why I started Jalal's Art Trip, to be the vehicle in which I lend that helping hand to the new upcoming artists," said Luqman.
"Through its Arabian Wildlife Park, majestic green hilltops, salt domes and some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the region, Sir Bani Yas Island is the perfect location to serve as the inspiration for the artists."
