Next week will see the start of the Dubai Collection Nights, a week-long series of specially curated free public events exploring and celebrating art across Dubai.
Hosted by the Dubai Collection, the city’s first institutional collection of Modern and Contemporary art, Dubai Collection Nights will take place from 10 to 16 March in 10 venues across the city.
The third annual edition of Dubai Collection Nights will feature visits to renowned UAE artists’ studios, panel talks, children’s workshops and the opportunity to meet with the patrons whose rare and private art collections contribute to the Dubai Collection.
The Dubai Collection was launched in 2021 by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and runs in partnership with Art Dubai Group. The Collection is built on a unique and innovative model that gathers artwork from private collections based in Dubai and the wider region, through an independent selection process led by a committee of experts.
Built in partnership with patrons who support the initiative through an innovative loan system, where they lend their artwork whilst retaining legal ownership, the Collection’s artwork pieces are accessible through temporary exhibitions and displays and always accessible via the initiative’s Digital Museum, dubaicollection.ae, which is full of information and research about the artwork, artists and patrons in the Collection.
Muna Faisal Al Gurg, Chair of the Dubai Collection Curatorial Committee and CEO of Culture and Heritage at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority said, “The Dubai Collection is dedicated to fostering a long-term culture of collecting art and supporting artists by providing inspiration and education to residents and visitors of Dubai. Echoing Dubai’s commitment to be a global cultural destination and a centre for talent and innovation, the Collection reflects the values of openness, diversity and interconnectedness as embodied in the spirit of Dubai and the UAE.
“Our popular week of events, Dubai Collection Nights, underscores Dubai Collection’s mission to build a community of committed patrons of the arts, to foster critical discourse on the region’s cultural past and present, whilst reflecting Dubai’s multicultural narrative.”
The seven-day tour across Dubai is open to the public and will include an exclusive visit to the studio of renowned Emirati-artist Mohammed Kazem; a tour of A.R.M. Holding Art Collection, one of the UAE’s most forward-thinking corporate collections; a visit to the beautiful home of patrons Zina Khair and Majd Suleiman to view their private collection of work dating back to the 1970s; a workshop for children led by Dubai Collection artist Ziad Al Najjar, and a hands-on workshop hosted by expressionist artist Ahmad Moualla.
Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, added, “The Dubai Collection currently houses over 1000 pieces of art and over the course of the week, the Collection’s annual flagship event, Dubai Collection Nights, gives a unique opportunity to view an eclectic range of art pieces at specially currated events.
“During the seven days, guests can meet Dubai-based artists whose work is featured in the Collection and connect with our valued patrons. We are commited to building an appreciative community and the series of talks, workshops, debates and collection viewing swill bring together art enthusiasts, collectors, artist, curators and patrons as they explore the stories of the Collection.”
The Dubai Collection currently represents 51 artist nationalities, including 99 female artists. Twenty-two artists are Emirati both established and upcoming, including Hassan Sharif, Abdul Qader Al Rais, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Mohammed Kazem and Sarah Almheiri. As an international collection with no geographical boundaries, 20 per cent of the works are based outside of Dubai mirroringthe DNA of Dubai as a global city.
The full schedule of next week’s Dubai Collection Nights programme is as follows:
Monday 10 March
10:30am - 12:30pm Artist Studio Visit: Mohammed Kazem | venue details upon registration
3:30 - 4:30pm Tour of A.R.M. Holding Art Collection | H Residence by Huna
Tuesday 11 March
12:30 - 1:30pm Al Safa Art and Design Library: A Walking Tour of Burj Rashid Exhibition | Al Safa Art and Design Library
2:00 - 3:30pm Panel Discussion: Curator’s Corner with Nada Shabout | Al Safa Art and Design Library - Auditorium
Wednesday 12 March
2:00 - 3:30pm Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future, featuring Sultan Al Qassimi from Barjeel Art Foundation and Taline Boladian from BeMa Museum. Moderated by Anna Seaman | Al Safa Art and Design Library - Auditorium
9:00 - 11:00pm Experiential Artist Suhoor with Talal Al Najjar and Ayesha Erkin at Bayt Al Mamzar | Bayt Al Mamzar
Thursday 13 March
10:30am -12:20pm Dubai Collection Studio Visit | Al Quoz - 8th Street Studios
2:30 - 4:00pm Panel Discussion: The Art of Collecting Series | Al Safa Art and Design Library - Auditorium
Friday 14 March
2:00 - 3:30pm Grassroot Initiative + Emirati Artist Studio Visit: Sima Collective | Sima Collective
Saturday 15 March
10:30am - 12:30pm Children’s Workshop: Geometry + Art with Ziad Al Najjar | The Jam Jar, Alserkal Avenue
3:00 - 4:00pm Patron Home Visit - Zina Khair and Majd Suleiman Private Collection | venue details upon registration
Sunday 16 March
11:00am - 2:00pm Workshop: Composition & Art with Ahmad Moualla | Art Eye, Al Quoz
To further information about the Dubai Collection and to register to attend any of theDubai Collection Nights events, please visit dubaicollection.ae
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