Art Dubai builds on success as new centre of art world

Dubai: International exhib-itors are taking a keen interest in the latest edition of Art Dubai as the event continues to draw a host of regional and local artists.

Art Dubai 2008 was inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler; and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, also attended last year's event.

A total of 65 galleries will participate in this year's event, with 10 regional contributions.

John Martin, director and co-founder of Art Dubai, said: "It's about art in all its forms. We don't just want to attract big collectors, we want students to come as well. People love art; art is a very personal thing."

This year's event is attracting exhibitors from New York, Moscow, Brussels, New Delhi, Sydney, Madrid, Paris, Zurich, Beirut, Damascus, Dubai, Mumbai, Istanbul and Tehran.

A survey undertaken by Art Dubai showed that more than 80 per cent of respondents identified the chance to make a contribution to the Middle Eastern art market as a key factor motivating them to exhibit at the fair.

"Globally, we are witnessing a highly significant cultural shift; it is an important moment for Dubai to develop its role as an art market centre and challenge the dominance of New York and London," Martin said.

Art Dubai will be held from March 18-21 at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.