Abu Dhabi Hosts Culture Summit 2023: A Deep Dive Into 'A Matter Of Time'

The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi commenced today in the UAE's capital, marking its sixth edition with a diverse programme that includes keynote speeches, creative talks, panel discussions, and cultural performances. This year's theme, ‘A Matter of Time’, attracted participants from over 90 countries. The Summit, spanning three days, delves into the role of culture in shaping collective memories and explores non-linear concepts of time.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), opened the event with remarks that highlighted the Summit's aim to foster reflection and dialogue on cultural issues. He emphasized culture's potential to foster understanding, respect, and preservation among global communities. Al Mubarak also expressed pride in hosting a diverse group of thinkers, artists, changemakers, and leaders under one roof.

The Summit's first keynote was delivered by the esteemed poet and philosopher Adonis, who discussed the complex relationship between humans and time, critiquing the modern era's technological dependencies. Adonis underscored the importance of creativity and nature in this technological age.

Emirati celebrity singer Hussain Al Jassmi engaged in a creative conversation with Egyptian Talk Show host Mona Al Shazly. They discussed the impact of time on an artist's journey and the UAE's role in supporting creative talents. Al Jassmi highlighted the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's support for artists and praised the UAE for its cultural diversity and harmony.

Nobel Prize Literature winner Wole Soyinka and Manthia Diawara from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts conversed about African culture, identity issues, and the continent's historical challenges. They touched upon the effects of slavery and the looting of artworks and artefacts on African ideologies.

A session titled ‘First people's knowledge on living in the everywhen’ offered an alternative perspective on time, challenging Western conceptions of linearity. Artists Erena Baker-Arapere, Sarah Hudson, Daniel Boyd, and Nicholas Galanin shared insights into viewing time as a continuum connected through collective memories.

The Culture Summit Abu Dhabi is set to conclude on 5th March. It is organized by DCT Abu Dhabi in partnership with global organizations such as UNESCO, Economist Impact, Design Museum, Google, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, and the Recording Academy. The event also collaborates with Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, Arab World Institute, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Club de Madrid, Cultural Foundation, IFACCA, Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYUAD and World Cities Culture Forum among others.

With inputs from WAM