Dubai: Works of more than 500 artists are on display at the fourth edition of Art Dubai, which opened yesterday.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated the event. Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, were also present.
The four-day show, one of most significant contemporary art events in the Middle East, is being held at the Madinat Jumeirah. Artworks of over 500 artists, showcased by more than 70 art galleries from China, Chile, Australia and US, as well as Middle East are on display. The event will feature over 25 solo exhibitions. The 2010 Abraaj Capital Art Prize will also be given away at the event. Curators and collectors from all over the world have gathered to interact and exchange knowledge.
Ahmad Humaid Al Tayer, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), said: "Art Dubai contributes to Dubai's efforts to vitalise the city's cultural life and integrate art and culture more closely into Dubai's social fabric."
Programming mix
Director and Co-Founder of Art Dubai John Martin agreed. "In our fourth year, we have deliberately chosen a programming mix that will present an exciting diversity of contemporary art from around the world to appeal to new audiences while stimulating a creative environment and new discoveries for experienced art professionals," he said. "For four days, Art Dubai showcases the very best of what the Middle East and wider global market have to offer in terms of contemporary art. It is a snapshot of the growing importance of the region as an arts hub and a key international platform for artists, curators and galleries."
Art lovers and commentators will take part in debates at the Global Art Forum, supported by Dubai Culture. Art Park will feature works presented by Emirati, Iranian and American artists.
Art Dubai
WHAT: The fourth edition of Art Dubai WHERE: Madinat Jumeirah WHEN: March 17-20
