Yesterday, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi launched its latest initiative, "Abu Dhabi Public Art", in an effort to enhance the emirate's long-standing legacy of investing in culture in order to establish it in the minds and consciences of individuals and the urban fabric of society.
The launch event included the unveiling of "Wave", a digital media artwork created by the d'strict art group at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Through the use of an illusion technique, the artwork is reconstructed in 2D, creating undulating, spiraling 3D waves. Note that this work was shown for the first time on a giant screen at COEX K-Pop Square, Seoul, South Korea.
The initiative's programs reflect the essence of the cultural identity of the capital, in a way that establishes a sense of belonging and promotes creativity, and provides an opportunity for everyone to participate in new cultural programs, as it is a catalyst for creativity and artistic expression in the public sphere, and community participation efforts are an integral part of it.
An investment of more than $35 million will be allocated to the initiative annually to continue the mission of supporting the creative industries in general through public art.
Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Abu Dhabi Public Art Initiative enriches life in the capital by attracting international arts and engaging community members. Although public art was and still is an integral part of our city's cultural identity and mission, the Abu Dhabi Public Art Initiative will contribute to enhancing creativity and cultural infrastructure. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi continues its efforts to develop and support the artistic system at all levels, and to consolidate Abu Dhabi's position as the first global capital of culture and arts.
Saud Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi Public Art is the platform where creativity and integrated infrastructure meet. This initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening the urban and cultural societal fabric of the emirate, and introducing art into the daily lives of local and visiting community members. We are proud to continue our efforts to empower our capital culturally by transforming spaces into creative and artistic platforms, which establishes the emirate's position as the most suitable place for living and creativity.
For her part, Rita Aoun, Executive Director of the Culture Sector at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “Public art has always been an aspect of Abu Dhabi and is seen throughout the city. We are now consolidating these efforts in the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and building on them for the future of Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi Public Art Initiative comes after we have completed our comprehensive readiness and cultural infrastructure for the establishment of this initiative, which falls within our strategy and objectives for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We are ready to announce our pioneering new public art projects that will ensure that we bring art to our audience in the public and that it will resonate deeply and matter first and foremost in our community.”
Abu Dhabi Public Art contributes to preserving important architectural and urban spaces and enhancing their historical, aesthetic, social, scientific and technological value to society. This would expand the ambitions of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi's Modern Heritage Preservation Initiative, which identifies, protects and preserves sites that narrate the UAE's recent past.
In this context, Reem Fadda, Director of the Cultural Foundation and Abu Dhabi Cultural Programs, said, “The community is the main pillar of the Abu Dhabi Public Art Initiative. We will insist that the works commissioned by artists for the Biennale truly transform places and resonate with our population in a meaningful way. The Abu Dhabi community, with its various groups, including artists, will participate in the commissioning and development of various projects.
In turn, Galit Eilat, co-curator of the Abu Dhabi Public Art Biennale, said, “Having worked with Reem in the past, I am delighted to embark on this new and ambitious curatorial project together. The Biennale will commission and display a vibrant, inclusive and diverse collection of works by established artists in the UAE and the region, while also mindful of its mission of engaging artists from around the world.
Another project included in the initiative is "Manar Abu Dhabi", a public art platform that includes artistic sculptures and illuminated installation artworks on the islands and mangroves of Abu Dhabi. Viewers will embark on an immersive water journey and discover the works of art from a new perspective. The exhibition connects the shores of the different islands and celebrates the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi. The artworks will range from light projections, sculptures and installation artworks to performances that create a surreal and magical look to the surrounding landscape.
The "Abu Dhabi Public Art" initiative will feature a series of direct annual artistic commissions across the emirate's landmarks, including tunnels, roundabouts, bridges, gardens and other public spaces. By engaging artists to create permanent or temporary contributions, they will be inspired by the city's distinctive features and highlight its modern heritage and natural landscapes, thus enhancing the audience's daily journey and making Abu Dhabi a distinctive cultural destination with its own and unique identity.
Saleh Shabrag (Abu Dhabi) @shabrag1
