Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Champions Young Talent At National Art Exhibition

H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, recently graced the second National Art Expressions exhibition with his presence. This event, orchestrated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), is a vibrant showcase of young Emirati talent, currently open to the public at Manarat Al Saadiyat until 15 March 2024.

During his visit, Sheikh Khaled explored the extensive collection, which features over 1,000 artworks by more than 1,500 students from a variety of educational institutions across Abu Dhabi, including public, private, and charter schools. The Crown Prince underscored the exhibition's pivotal role in nurturing young artists and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.

The importance of such cultural and artistic initiatives was highlighted by Sheikh Khaled as fundamental to bolstering the emirate's creative landscape, which in turn supports a flourishing society and economy. The exhibition not only displays students' prowess in visual and applied arts but also in performing and craft and folk arts.

To commemorate the opening, 69 students from six Abu Dhabi schools performed the national anthem. These students emerged victorious in the National Anthem Performance Competition, a segment of the Performing Arts pathway that saw over 200 school music bands participate.

Sheikh Khaled's entourage included notable figures such as Sara Awad Issa Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and Chairperson of ADEK; Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; and Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The 2024 edition of the exhibition has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception in 2023. Participation has surged from 29 to 198 schools, encompassing not only private and charter schools but also public schools and institutions for People of Determination. The number of art teachers involved has escalated from 32 to over 200, while professional artists contributing have increased from 6 to 15 local and international experts.

In a significant collaboration, ADEK has partnered with Louvre Abu Dhabi and Warehouse 421 to display students’ artworks at dedicated exhibitions. This move reflects ADEK's dedication to elevating emerging Emirati talent. Furthermore, the Department of Municipalities and Transport will exhibit students' creations across school murals and public facilities.

Looking ahead, ADEK aims to broaden the programme's scope in future editions. This expansion will provide students and teachers with opportunities to grow through experiential masterclasses led by renowned local and international artists, further enriching Abu Dhabi's artistic landscape.

With inputs from WAM