Abu Dhabi And Seoul Chart New Paths In Arts And Culture With Historic Partnership
Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has joined forces with Seoul Metropolitan Government to promote cross-cultural exchange and foster collaboration in the arts and culture sector. The partnership, signed in presence of aims to strengthen existing cultural ties, establish long-lasting partnerships, and explore potential collaborations that bridge gaps and connect people.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, emphasized the long-standing relationship between the UAE and the Republic of Korea, highlighting various areas of cooperation, including energy, transportation, technology, education, and culture. ADMAF has been actively engaged in promoting Korean culture through events like the Abu Dhabi Festival, featuring performances by the Korean Symphony Orchestra, the Korean National Ballet, and the Special Olympics Korea Ensemble. This year, ADMAF presented the prestigious Abu Dhabi Festival Award to Miky Lee, Vice Chairwoman of CJ ENM.
In 2023, ADMAF visited Seoul, the UNESCO Creative City of Design, to explore new avenues for collaboration with esteemed institutions such as the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, the Seoul Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The visit was reciprocated in 2024 when Korean counterparts participated in the Abu Dhabi Festival. ADMAF and Seoul Metropolitan Government are now working towards major cultural achievements, including historic exhibitions of contemporary art from both Korea and the UAE.
The collaboration between ADMAF and Seoul Metropolitan Government is a testament to their shared commitment to strengthening international cultural ties. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon praised Abu Dhabi's efforts in nurturing its arts and culture sector, establishing institutions like NYU Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi, and planning future landmarks such as the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. Likewise, Seoul Metropolitan Government is dedicated to elevating Seoul's status as a cultural hub and global city.
The formal agreement between the two entities marks the beginning of a journey to establish their cities as global centers of culture and arts through meaningful exchanges and collaborations. Despite the geographical distance, the shared passion for culture serves as a unifying force that transcends borders, religions, and ideologies. Both ADMAF and Seoul Metropolitan Government recognize that culture is a powerful tool for fostering unity among people.
ADMAF aims to contribute to the growth of the cultural scene in the UAE through various initiatives. Abu Dhabi has been designated as a UNESCO City of Music, providing opportunities for artists to showcase their talent and partnering with renowned institutions to present new works. ADMAF's partnership with Seoul Metropolitan Government opens up potential cultural achievements and cooperation opportunities, including art exhibitions in partnership with the Seoul Museum of Art in 2025 to showcase the work of Emirati and South Korean artists. Co-productions and co-commissions are also on the agenda, further enhancing the exchange of artistic expressions between the two nations.
Sign in with Google