Dialogue essential to strengthen collaboration

Dubai: We encourage dialogue between different cultures, Emirati and French in particular, said Dominique Chevallier-Wixler, Director of Alliance Francaise Dubai yesterday during the inaugural Emergent Artist Award (EAA) organised by the cultural body.

Speaking on the current cultural collaboration between the Emiratis and French, she said it needs to be strengthened. "We are getting there. It takes effort and time to strengthen this collaboration," she told Gulf News.

Chevallier-Wixler urged stronger dialogue through cultural activities. "It [cultural activity] is the best way to establish these connections and promote shared learning. We hope to raise interest among people involved in visual and performing arts," she said.

Alliance Francaise comprises a network of more than 1,160 non-profit organisations in 131 countries, and is the recipient of the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2010 by Dubai Culture. The organisation has two approaches to promote this dialogue, Chevallier-Wixler explained. This dialogue is structured through various events and festivals based on visual arts, music, literature, conferences, training and dance.

"We participate in several Dubai cultural events including the Festival of Literature, music festival Fête de la Musique, and Documentary Voices, a social awareness initiative targeting filmmakers," she said.

"We invite students from local schools to attend exhibitions and movies on cultural aspects and social messages. Since last September, we have invited more than 1,000 students, including those from Emirati schools."