ADMAF Hosts Cultural Dialogue At UAE Pavilion During Expo 2025 Osaka's Art @Embassies Talk

The 'Abu Dhabi Festival’s Art @Embassies Talk' took place at the UAE Pavilion during Expo 2025 Osaka on 15th July. This event was held under the honorary patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), it brought together Emirati and Japanese artists to discuss identity, materiality, memory, and life pace.

Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, ADMAF's Founder, highlighted that this initiative is part of ADMAF’s Abroad Programme, which aims to enhance human connection through art. She explained that the dialogue featured young Emirati artists Shaikha Al Ketbi and Sarah Al Mehairi alongside Chiaki Soma from Tokyo University of the Arts. The talk delved into themes like place and memory, contrasting life's slowness with acceleration.

The UAE Ambassador to Japan, Shihab Alfaheem, praised the Art @ Embassies initiative for showcasing the UAE's creative spirit and fostering international connections. He noted that art serves as a powerful medium for empathy, dialogue, and innovation. The event also aimed to strengthen cultural ties between the UAE and Japan.

Shaikha Al Ketbi, Deputy Commissioner General and Creative Director of the Pavilion, emphasised that the space was dedicated to amplifying Emirati voices and celebrating cultural diplomacy through initiatives like Art @ Embassies. The Pavilion's theme, Earth to Ether, highlights how heritage informs progress. It is located in the Empowering Lives Zone and designed by an international team led by the UAE Expo Office.

In addition to this panel discussion, ADMAF and the UAE Pavilion are hosting various cultural initiatives at Expo 2025 Osaka. In April, a collaborative work blending Arabic and Japanese calligraphy was created by Emirati calligrapher Mohamed Mandi and Japanese master Juichi Yoshikawa.

Artistic Innovation Workshops

A rolling residency titled ‘Guest Artists Takeover’ features Emirati artists Asma Al Remeithi, Aisha (Yoshi) Al Ali, Sarah Al Mehairi, and Moza Almatrooshi. They are transforming the Pavilion's creative space through workshops and live sessions. These activities aim to encourage artistic experimentation while promoting cultural dialogue.

In August, winners of The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025 from NYU Abu Dhabi—Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha—will lead innovation-focused workshops at the Pavilion. These sessions will further encourage artistic exploration among participants.

Through these programmes at Expo 2025 Osaka, ADMAF and the UAE Pavilion are showcasing the UAE’s artistic voice globally while promoting Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision.

With inputs from WAM