Abu Dhabi: An exhibition representing artwork by around 300 students from the emirate of Abu Dhabi started at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the cultural district of Saadiyat Island today and will run until June 9.
The exhibition by students from 20 schools, aged between five to 13, is inspired by UAE’s cultural heritage sites such as Al Jahili Fort, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Hili Fort, and the Al Ain National Museum.
The project started in February and encouraged students to express what they witnessed in the sites that they visited through a medium of their choice. The result is a spectacular exhibition of handmade arts, including pottery, painting and other crafts.
The programme, which is in its fourth year, is organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec). However, it is the first time that elements of UAE heritage and culture are added to Adec’s art curriculum.
“TCA’s mission is to preserve UAE’s culture and that’s exactly what this exhibition is all about,” TCA director-general Saif Saeed Gobash told Gulf News at a preview of the exhibition.
“The children have reacted to the cultural sites that they have visited with their art and documented their experience. We are trying to build a creative tolerant society and arts are a fantastic way of instilling these values in the core of our community,” he added.
Speaking to Gulf News, Ranya Nasser, Head of Education Programmes TCA Abu Dhabi, said, “The primary focus of TCA Education is to ensure that children across the UAE grow up with a solid understanding of their history and culture. This project encouraged them to fully engage with artefacts from national museums and historic sites in multiple ways.”
“Having a hands-on experience helps them to retain information they have learnt and spread awareness about it. Children that engage in arts at a young age become lifelong learners and advocates for preserving culture. They will always respect and protect their past and will, hopefully, become engaged, tolerant adults with a deep sense of humanity.”
The curators of the exhibition, Camilla Singh, an artist and independent curator, and Walter Willems, Zayed University College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, volunteered their time to create the show.
The arts are displayed thematically and not by school, illustrating the different perspectives that people have of the same subject.
Event at a glance
What: Student Art Exhibition
Where: Saadiyat Manarat, Saadiyat Island
Date and time: June 2 to June 9, 10am to 8pm
