Clubwise: Dubai International Arts Centre

Every week, we bring you the latest on the UAE's clubs, associations and groups. We choose one each time and profile it, highlighting its purpose and activities. We also bring you bits of news from other such groups. So that you know what is happening when, where and why. This week: Dubai International Arts Centre

Few places have left a mark on the local and expatriate community as has the Dubai International Arts Centre (DIAC). Founded in 1976, initially DIAC was a small group of art lovers and artists who would meet regularly at each other's houses. The club started with 20 members of which two were artists and one an architect.

In 1979, the centre moved to its present location. Other than painting classes, courses were offered in photography and drawing. An annual exhibition of the members' work was also held.

"The art centre is such a close knit group, and even with a large number we feel we are a family," says Nargis Khalid, a teacher.

Khalid has been with the centre since it opened and has seen it grow in size over the years. DIAC currently has over 1,000 members from 60 countries and teaches not only the traditional form of art but also the modern.

It has been strongly supported by the British Council for its dedication to art and the society.

Membership is on an annual basis and open to children as well as adults.

They are available for single individuals and families. Some of the courses taught are Ikebana, etching, pottery, silk painting, plate painting, Arabic, French, Spanish, sculpting, oil painting, slip casting, water-colour, kids art and craft, glass painting, pattern and dress making to name a few.

However, the most popular ones are pottery and photography.

The courses are open to children as young as four years old. They are taught various kinds of arts and crafts, increasing their awareness and participation in each class.

The duration of a course is generally between six to eight weeks and is available from the beginners to the advanced levels. An absolute novice can enroll in one of the courses and will be pleased with the results.

Members can also participate in the art centre programmes. They are often invited to attend talks given by local and visiting artists or taken on a tour of galleries around Dubai.

They also receive a monthly newsletter with information of forthcoming events, workshops and competitions.

The centre holds an exhibition annually, where each member can display their work from the courses they have attended.

"We have many beginners coming here," says Christine Manning, administrator. "We require no prior experience, it's a great way to learn and meet people."

Besides this, DIAC frequently holds competitions which are open to all living in the Emirates.