Dubai Culture Successfully Concludes Emirati Creatives In Venice Programme At The Biennale

Dubai Culture recently wrapped up its ‘Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme,’ which aimed to highlight Emirati talent on a global platform. This initiative was part of the 60th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale, themed 'Foreigners Everywhere'. Supported by the Sikka Platform, it underscores Dubai Culture’s dedication to fostering opportunities for local artists to thrive and engage with the international arts community.

The programme included ten Emirati artists: Anood Al Khoori, Duha Al Hallami, Elham Karimi, Fatima Abdulrahman, Fatma Al Mheiri, Hend Al Murid, Maryam AlHemeiri, Mezna Suwaidan, Nawal Ahmad, and Sara Al Khayyal. They embarked on a cultural journey through the Venice Biennale's diverse artistic practices. A significant stop was the UAE Pavilion at Arsenale’s Sale d’Armi, where they viewed Abdulla Al Saadi’s exhibit ‘Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia’. This exhibit showcased his 40-year creative journey through explorations of the UAE’s natural heritage.

While in Venice, the artists delved into its rich cultural landscape. They visited landmarks like Doge’s Palace, known for its Venetian Gothic architecture; Rubelli Foundation, focused on textile arts; Fondazione Giorgio Cini, dedicated to glass arts; and the Vatican Chapels Pavilion of the Holy See within the Biennale. These visits provided insights into how art interacts with its environment and encouraged reflection on their creative methods.

The artists also engaged with design experts and university representatives to discuss modern trends in art and design. They met artist Fabrizio Plessi who emphasised storytelling's role and technology's integration in art. Additionally, they participated in an interactive workshop by Fernando Masone that combined traditional and modern art techniques.

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, visited the UAE Pavilion at the Venice Biennale to support Emirati cultural initiatives abroad. She explored exhibits that highlighted the evolution of UAE’s art scene from experimental 20th-century artists to contemporary cultural expressions. Badri also toured various international pavilions such as Giardini Pavilion and those of Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Egypt to explore diverse artistic expressions.

During her visit, Badri met with directors of Italian cultural institutions to discuss potential collaborations. These discussions focused on sharing Dubai Culture’s projects and initiatives to enrich Dubai’s cultural movement further. She also met members of the Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme and praised their innovative ideas reflecting Dubai's vibrant art scene.

Badri reiterated Dubai Culture’s commitment to nurturing local talent and empowering them to continue their creative journeys. Her interactions underscored Dubai's ambition to establish a global cultural footprint while supporting its artists' growth on international stages.

With inputs from WAM