UAE | Heritage and Culture

Thriving art scene boosted by projects

The UAE's art scene is fast-growing, with the introduction of numerous galleries and upcoming projects to bolster cultural attractions.

  • By Alice Johnson, Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:20 November 7, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Children seen painting during the 'Back-2-School week.
  • Image Credit: Atiq Ur Rehman/ Gulf News
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Dubai: The UAE's art scene is fast-growing, with the introduction of numerous galleries and upcoming projects to bolster cultural attractions.

Just this week further partnerships were made for the February 2009 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' fair, to host a special art showing for women, to encourage art awareness among GCC females.

Haughton International Fairs have formed this partnership with Dubai Ladies Club under the initiative, which is being supported by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority organises numerous artistic activities, and recently opened the 'Cuadro Fine Art Gallery' at the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The DCAA also launched the 'Art Sawa' gallery, to create awareness of contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa region, in 12,000 sqft of space.

Art souks

Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) is a group of artists and art-lovers that organises bi-monthly art-souks at the Times Square Centre, selling hand-crafted items from over the Emirates.

For more information, go to: www.arte.ae

However, if you've always had a hankering to take up art as a hobby yourself, rather than just viewing, there are many options for the craftily-minded.

Cafe Ceramique has branches in Dubai (Jumeirah Town Centre) and Abu Dhabi, and allows visitors to sip coffee while fashioning their own mug designs.

There are numerous sizes to choose from, as well as paint colours, and designs are left to the participants' artistic license.

After painting the mugs are taken to the kiln, and customers can pick up their masterpieces after they have been fired.

The Dubai International Arts Centre, based in Jumeirah near Mercato Mall, offers the best of both worlds, with a small art gallery, as well as art classes.

Lessons range from drawing and painting to pottery, and the Centre has its own kiln for firing. If you don't want to try lessons, the Centre also has a small art shop, where accessories for many different creative expressions can be found. For class details and timings, visit the link: www.artdubai.com

If painting or pottery isn't quite your thing, try a visit to the Bead Palace and Accessories in Jumeirah. Novices can build their own jewellery - ideal for birthday or festive gifts.

Children are often big fans of getting their hands dirty with art. The Emirates Hobbies Association offers arts and crafts classes for children, and is located near the Dubai Ladies Club Art and Talent Centre.

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