New district to put Dubai on international art map

Dubai: In a move that could position the emirate as a serious contender in the international art scene, the launch of Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District was announced yesterday by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The new cultural centre, an Emaar Properties project, builds on the city's burgeoning arts scene that has a growing network of more than 50 art galleries and globally acclaimed art showcases including Art Dubai, Design Days Dubai and Sikka. It is also pegged at drawing more cultural tourists.

The centre will include Opera House, Modern Art Museum and galleries, located in Downtown Dubai, off the Burj Lake. The architecture will integrate plazas, streets, colonnades, courtyards, alleyways, promenades and parks. The work is expected to commence shortly.

In a media statement, the Ruler said, "We will continue to strengthen the infrastructural framework for promoting cultural initiatives, through projects such as the Dubai Modern Art Museum and Opera House District. This will not only encourage our talented local artists but also facilitate global cultural exchange."

Mohammad Al Abbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties said in a media statement, "It will be Dubai's definitive entertainment destination that stimulates creativity, supports the arts sector, and also offers visitors their choice of hospitality and leisure."

The news was received with enthusiasm in the art community. Speaking about the impact of the new development, Isabelle Van Den Eynde, a gallery owner in Dubai said it was a necessity.

Recognition

She told Gulf News, "If you look at the city's art scene, you realise how much has been done and how much recognition we have earned. However, till now this recognition wasn't supported by a serious institution. While other regional countries have progressed, Dubai still needed to go beyond the business of art. This museum is the missing piece. The talks about the Opera House opening have been going on for the past few years. It's an amazing announcement."

Art Director Sossy Dikijian of Art Space Dubai told Gulf News that the push for such an initiative, supported by the government, will facilitate global cultural exchange. "We already promote art and culture through fairs and events in the region as well as internationally. Having such a platform launched is going to attract more interest in art, and as a result of this, turn Dubai into a renowned cultural hub. Most countries have at least one iconic, permanent representation of its arts and culture. Now Dubai will have one too," she said.