Art Camp Andorra by UNESCO, held from March 14-21 at Ajman University, was the first-of-its-kind art event to be held in the Arab World. The high-profile art event gathered more than 25 talented artists from the Middle East under one roof to create works dedicated to peace and tolerance.
The event highlighted the thriving cultural and art scene of the Emirates and showed the world that the UAE and the Middle East are enthusiastic proponents of art.
Hedva Ser, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Diplomacy, known as Godmother of Art Camp Andorra, shares her reflections on the history of the Art Camp and the success of this edition in Ajman.
• You’re known as the Godmother of Art Camp Andorra, how did it all start?
I was honoured to be asked by the ambassador of Andorra to UNESCO, Ms. Maria Ubach who is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to became the Godmother of this program in 2012.
• How did the association with UNESCO happen?
I was nominated in 2010 for the Artists for Peace initiative by UNESCO, thanks to my program for Peace and specially my sculpture Tree of Peace that was inaugurated for the first time in 2007. Since then, we inaugurated 15 Trees of Peace around the world. The future one will be inaugurated in Abu Dhabi.
In 2017, I was nominated as Goodwill Ambassador of UNESCO for Cultural Diplomacy by the Director General of UNESCO, because of my work for Cultural Diplomacy and the intercultural/interface dialogue.
• What were some of the key challenges you faced while growing this initiative?
ArtCamp, which is a project supported by UNESCO, is a true laboratory for Peace and a bridge of Hope for understanding and friendship between people. I suggested for it to become more international and insisted in gathering artists from countries in conflict to create works that provide a new language of Hope. It is a unique and real opportunity for art and through art to weave bonds of understanding, respect and agreement. Artists who work in the same place appreciate each other, share and create together to open a path for Peace.
• What does art mean to you personally?
Art is what is driving my energy, it is my DNA. My life is devoted to Peace though art.
• What are some of your best memories from the Art Camps held so far?
My memories are from Andorra, in Ordino, gathering artists from all over the world. You could see the Palestinian and Israeli artists sharing the same room, the Armenian and Azerbaijan artists were happy together and some others artists from countries in conflict were together too. We had the same in Malta for the Mediterranean countries, all working outside doors in front of the Citadelle of Gozo, which was amazing.
• What would you cite as key reasons for the success of this initiative?
The success of this initiative can be attributed to several reasons: firstly the choice of the artists, diversity of the countries represented, the involvement of the staff of Ajman University who were so helpful and their desire to make it a success, and that’s what happened. Also, the choice of Ajman University for the Art Camp was a very successful one. We could leave an impact throughout the week through real intercultural dialogue.
• What are your reflections on the 2022 edition of Art Camp Andorra held at Ajman University?
Ajman University has a very unique program, the artists coming from all Arab countries were highly qualified and very special. The University of Ajman and all the staff worked very hard to make the artists happy. And you could feel the atmosphere of being together. It also reflected on their work, which was excellent. I believe, in the future we can work together on important initiatives at Ajman University where artists can come together to boost intercultural dialogue.
