Dubai Culture: Boosting Global Presence for Dubai’s Art Scene

Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its art scene internationally. It provides financial support to galleries that maintain a full-time presence in Dubai, represent Emirati artists or those who have lived in the UAE for at least three years, and actively participate in exhibitions beyond their gallery space. Eligible galleries can apply for up to 50% funding for an international art fair booth, depending on the percentage of space allocated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, highlighted the grant’s importance, stating: “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely attributed to its thriving art scene, which is centred around the city’s art galleries. Through this grant, we aim to elevate our artists on an international platform while fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi gallery also praised the initiative, noting that it provides essential support for local talent. He also emphasized that the grant will help galleries expand their reach, promote artists globally, and contribute to Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape.

Encouraging Growth and Cultural Exchange

Beyond financial assistance, the grant seeks to establish Dubai as a permanent fixture in the international art world. By supporting emerging and established artists, the initiative fosters a sustainable creative ecosystem, benefiting complementary sectors and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a center for artistic excellence.

Applications for the grant are now open. Interested galleries can visit Art Dubai’s official website or contact the Art Dubai team at pietro@artdubai.ae for further details.

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Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasised the significance of the Public Art Strategy and its role in achieving Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for the creative economy, saying: “Public art is a distinctive hallmark of Dubai, showcasing its unique creative identity and the richness of its artistic landscape. It underscores Dubai’s vibrant environment that nurtures talent and develops capabilities in the arts sector, which forms an essential pillar of cultural and creative industries. The new programme will foster a culture of entrepreneurship, encourage innovation among artists, and inspire them to express their experiences, ideas, and visions through compelling art pieces, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the landscape and enable them to leave a lasting legacy through artworks that have a public presence in the city, thereby enhancing cultural tourism within the emirate.”

Spanning seven months under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Public Art in the UAE’, the programme is a comprehensive curriculum comprising interactive seminars, workshops, and hands-on sessions led by renowned art-world professionals and industry leaders. Mentorship will be at the heart of the programme, with artists gaining guidance from established public art practitioners on how to navigate the intricacies of this dynamic field. Selected artists will learn the process of creating winning public art proposals and gain practical skills in project management, fundraising, and legal considerations for public art projects with the support of industry experts and mentors.

Alongside the Core Education Programme is the Community Education Programme, which will consist of monthly programming featuring industry leaders and specialists, offering insight into the creative process, commissioning and curating public art, and fostering community engagement. This programme part is open to all students, creative enthusiasts, and artists, fostering community interaction with Dubai’s Public Art Strategy which has already introduced several impactful projects. The first large-scale installation under the Dubai Public Art initiative, ‘Union of Artists’, was unveiled at the Al Hudaiba Public Park earlier this year. Subsequent installations included the mural ‘I am still learning’ at Al Safa Art and Design Library and the large-scale interactive sculptural playground ‘I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home’ at Jameel Arts Centre.

The programme, set to commence on Saturday, 22 February 2025, provides artists with a platform to explore the realm of public art, building sector knowledge and offering invaluable visibility for artists to private and public sector stakeholders for commissioning opportunities.

Dubai Culture invites all artists, designers and architects to apply for the Core Education Programme via Dubai Culture’s website. Applications will close on Monday, 10 February 2025.

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Organised by the Art Dubai Group, Editions will showcase an extensive collection of design studios, galleries, and collectives. With a diverse line-up representing key international players from countries such as Germany, Colombia, Italy, and Lithuania, alongside regional artists from the UAE, Lebanon, Kuwait, and Jordan, the fair is set to highlight the richness and diversity of contemporary art and design.

Mette Degn-Christensen, Director of Downtown Design, states: “As art and design continue to merge with Dubai’s cultural fabric, Editions caters to the growing demand for high-quality, limited edition pieces. Our goal is to offer visitors a richer experience, connecting them with independent designers globally, whether established or yet undiscovered.”

Pablo del Val, Artistic Director of Art Dubai, shares: “We aim to make Editions an inclusive space where art lovers and collectors alike can explore, interact, and find pieces that resonate with them. With more than 50% of our exhibitors from Dubai, the fair also aims to reflect the city’s evolving cultural landscape, fostering a sense of community and creativity.”

Khadija Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President of Dubai Design District (d3), adds, “Editions is an excellent platform for art enthusiasts at various stages of their journey, whether they’re discovering art or looking to add to their collection. It highlights the value of quality works and provides talent with the opportunity to gain wider exposure.”

The debut of Editions will feature works in multiple disciplines. Contemporary design will present sculptural furniture, innovative lighting, and high-end craftsmanship from designers like Aljoud Lootah and 1971-Design Space.

Ceramics and works on paper will highlight experimental techniques, including Çağla Köseoğulları’s exploration of clay, and Etel Adnan’s vibrant ceramic pieces.

For photography, Dubai’s Gulf Photo Plus will showcase the works of photographers like Hussain AlMoosawi and Rehaf Batniji, documenting regional heritage and modern transformations in the Middle East.

Additionally, the fair will host The Forum, a series of engaging conversations featuring artists, collectors, and designers. Topics such as the disruption of the art market, the value of editioned works, and art, design, and community identity will be explored, inviting audiences to deepen their understanding of contemporary creative processes.

With works available at a range of price points, Editions is designed to be accessible to both novice and experienced collectors. This ensures that a wider audience can participate in the cultural dialogue and discover artworks that suit their tastes and budgets.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Editions Fair.

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Charmaine’s latest collection is a vibrant celebration of life’s unexpected lessons, captured through a fusion of neo-expressionism, Japanese Manga, Pop Art, and African art influences. Her art—alive with bold hues, playful doodles, and profound symbolism—serves as a mirror to our innermost thoughts and feelings, revealing the unseen layers of our consciousness.

Taking L’s explores the themes of loss, love, and learning through an upbeat and positive lens, offering a visual storytelling experience that celebrates resilience and the joy found in artistic exploration. Drawing inspiration from her personal experiences, highlighting the essence of taking in all the L’s as embracing all the losses and the grief it carries like a winner and moving forward with the trophy of the loss as an addition that enriches life’s journey. Charmaine Chanakira’s exhibition is a testament to the strength derived from involuntary lessons, vulnerability and the power of collective support. Chanakira shares an essential insight that each downfall is a humbling lesson that resonates with knowledge and experiences. We uncover resilience and learn to appreciate life’s complexity, discovering strength in our growth. Each artwork serves as a milestone in understanding different parts of taking the L, acknowledging human emotion, the genuine love and support from her circle of female friends, and the path towards embracing one’s vulnerabilities. This perspective is woven through the exhibition treasuring the significance of self-love, the joy of reconnecting with one’s inner child, and the strength that comes from facing life’s experiences with courage and openness.

This showcase is not merely an exhibition of art; it is an invitation to immerse oneself in the captivating world of Charmaine’s art, where each work is a narrative of overcoming adversity with each step along the path of self-discovery, healing, and the joy of artistic exploration. It highlights the importance of self-love and the transformative power of embracing hardships with courage and grace. 

Charmaine’s work challenges perceptions and opens dialogues around identity, mental health, and experiences, making each artwork a conversation starter and a mirror reflecting the viewer’s inner world. Mestaria Gallery, a hub for regional and global talent, invites art lovers and curious minds alike to immerse themselves in this inspiring exhibition.

Exhibition details:

Exhibition: “Taking L’s’” by Charmaine Chanakira

Dates: Tuesday 27^th February to Wednesday 20^th March 2024 

Location: Mestaria Gallery Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

Timings: Open daily from 10am-7pm

For more information please visit: www.mestaria.art

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Art Dubai’s 2024 will feature an expanded programme of collaborations with local and international partners, underscoring the fair’s position as the meeting point for the Global South’s creative communities and its mission to redefine the role an art fair can play in supporting local and regional ecosystems. Programme highlights will include major new commissions and premières by internationally renowned artists and the most extensive education, talks and thought-leadership programme of any international art fair.

Since its founding, Art Dubai has been committed to working with institutional and commercial partners to develop new commissioning models and long-term innovative, high-impact cultural programming. These collaborations place particular emphasis on education and digital technologies, which are cornerstones of Art Dubai’s extensive year-round programming; they play a crucial role in shaping the future of Dubai’s cultural infrastructure, as well as responding to some of the most important issues of our time.

Pablo del Val, Art Dubai’s Artistic Director commented:
“Art fairs like Art Dubai have a responsibility to be far more than commercial platforms and Art Dubai continues to play an important institutional role in this region’s cultural ecosystem, supporting artists, scholarship, cultural education and thought-leadership. Our programme this year reflects the increasingly diverse and multicultural communities of our home city, providing more opportunities than ever for artists from across the Global South. Dubai is a place of relentless reinvention, possibility and opportunity, and these commercial and institutional partnerships are central to all our activity, supporting our world-class non-commercial programmes.”

Art Dubai’s Executive Director Benedetta Ghione commented:
“The Art Dubai Group is committed to laying foundations for a thriving cultural and creative ecosystem, inspired by and responding to our home city of Dubai. The cultural scene here is maturing rapidly and we are proud of the role we play in engaging and inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and in supporting the next generation of cultural professionals. Our year-round education, scholarship, and thought-leadership programmes, developed alongside our long-term partners, create significant opportunities for people from all over the world to build careers in the creative industries in Dubai.”

Art Dubai is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding. It is sponsored by Swiss Wealth Management Group Julius Baer. Art Dubai’s exclusive high jewellery and watch partner is Piaget. Culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA is a partner of Art Dubai. The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the fair’s strategic partner. Madinat Jumeirah is the home of Art Dubai.

Full speaker line-ups and conference session timings will be released in early February.
View the list of galleries participating in Art Dubai 2024 here.

Thought-leadership
In the 21st century, extreme weather – from floods, droughts and storms to smog – is no longer limited to “the developing world,” but is now happening everywhere. Meanwhile, the threat of extinction elicits urgent innovations — and imagination. Over two days, Art Dubai’s flagship transdisciplinary summit the Global Art Forum will present the cultures, technologies, sciences and initiatives around extreme weather and extreme change with many of the world’s most compelling artists, architects, academics, curators, and thinkers. Entitled “Whether or Not,” Global Art Forum 17 is organised by Commissioner Shumon Basar and Curator Nadine ElKhoury, and will take place on 29 February and 1 March 2024. Speakers contributing to the forum include Dr Stephanie Rosenthal, Director, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Samir Bantal, Director, AMO at Office of Metropolitan Architecture, Rotterdam, Anne Holtrop, Founder, Studio Anne Holtrop, Bahrain, Monira Al Qadiri, Artist, Kuwait and Berlin, Gabriel Alonso, Artist and Researcher, Madrid, amongst others.

Supporting Art Dubai’s commitment to scholarship, Art Dubai Modern and Collector Talks are presented in partnership with Dubai Collection, the first institutional art collection for the city of Dubai. Art Dubai Modern Talks will highlight the artistic links made possible by Soviet geopolitics of the Cold War, shifting the focus from Western metropoles and focusing the conversations on the impact of Soviet education and exhibitions on artists from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Though these East-East and South-South networks may no longer be obvious today, they were critical to the formation of modern art in the region. Bringing together a culturally diverse group of curators, scholars, and gallerists, each panel will highlight the personal stories of the artists represented in Art Dubai Modern. They will also provide historical context to the unique grouping of artists in the section, revealing why these works remain valuable and relevant to audiences, collectors, and institutions. Individual and institutional collectors are driving cultural shifts in emerging cultural centres. With a focus on topics including philanthropy, corporate support for the arts and institutional collecting, Art Dubai Collector Talks will shed light on the unique forces, strategies and passions that are shaping global arts and culture.

Education
Reinforcing the fair’s longstanding commitment to education, professional development and thought leadership will be the largest-ever programme of talks, workshops and events, taking place across all five days of the fair.

The A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme is now in its fourth year and the 2024 edition will be the largest to date, reaching more than 15,000 students in over 100 schools in what is the most ambitious such education programme in the UAE. Each year, an artist is selected to develop the workshops, which begin at Art Dubai before expanding to private, government, and special educational needs schools across all seven Emirates.

Goa-based artist Sahil Naik has been selected to develop the 2024 programme and his sculptural, architectural and arts education-based practice will take participants on a journey through creation using dioramas, memory and the built environment as sources of inspiration. Centring on themes of ecology and nature, these workshops will invite children to explore the central question: “How do younger generations imagine future cities, and what they will comprise?”

Aimed at nurturing emerging talent and future cultural leaders, the fair will continue to run the Campus Art Dubai (CAD) professional development and traineeship programme. Celebrating its 11th year, the initiative is designed to provide recent graduates with mentorship, masterclasses and hands-on experience across diverse departments at the fair. Additionally, participants will benefit from curated tours of leading cultural organisations in the city, providing practical insights and a clear pathway for them to enter and thrive within the dynamic art scene.

New Commissions
This year’s Art Dubai Commissions will feature a series of new performances, films and activations focusing on topics of hope, community and the power of art to help us navigate challenging times. Complementing Art Dubai’s Bawwaba gallery section, and curated by Emiliano Valdes, participating artists hail from the Global South, and will explore various aspects of the healing process, creating spaces for contemplation and introspection, socially-oriented practices that engage with local communities as well as creating nurturing and liberating experiences.

The Swiss Wealth Management Group Julius Baer, lead partner of Art Dubai will present a newly commissioned digital installation by Canadian-Korean artist Krista Kim. ‘Heart Space’ القلب مساحة is an immersive experience that will allow guests to connect through the universal language of the human heartbeat. In real-time, each visitor’s unique heart rhythm will be visualised through hypnotic patterns and meditative shapes displayed across a dynamic LED canvas. The installation puts forward the concept of ‘oneness’ where participants come together to create a social fabric harnessing the power of art and technology. Heart Space is a continuation of Kim’s ongoing exploration into the creative potential of screens as digital instruments of wellbeing and longevity, and is part of Julius Baer’s NEXT universe, which explores investment thematics around the emergence of megatrends across arts, science, and technology. This is the second major digital commission by Julius Baer to debut at Art Dubai, following the acclaimed collaboration with Refik Anadol in 2023.

Inaugurating a new partnership with Art Dubai, returning partner Piaget will debut a new exhibition ‘The House of Gold’ at Art Dubai 2024. Spotlighting gold as the ultimate luxury and a symbol of perfection, central to the brand’s philosophy, the presentation will showcase a series of high-end jewellery and watches, patrimony pieces and private collections in a bespoke booth featuring newly commissioned artworks, workshops and immersive experiences.

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Originally unveiled as a large-scale canvas painting at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown in December 2022, ‘The Voyageur’ swiftly garnered the attention of a private collector. From this original creation, Bechara has crafted five digital artworks, each a fragment of the initial piece, weaving together narratives born within the painting. Recognized for her expertise in both traditional and digital art, Kristel Bechara aims to demonstrate the intrinsic value of digital art through this unique project.

Bechara, celebrated for her mastery in both traditional and digital art, seeks to emphasize the intrinsic value of digital art through ‘The Voyageur.’ The project showcases her unique skill sets and challenges the absence of canvas and paint, emphasizing the authenticity and value of digital artwork.

“I always like to blend and combine the disciplines of traditional and digital art, which can be seen in the Voyageur,” highlights Kristel Bechara.

At its core, ‘The Voyageur’ is a celebration of femininity. Bechara, renowned for depicting women and beauty in diversity, extends these themes into this project by introducing a singular female character symbolizing Equality, Empowerment, and Autonomy. Departing from the norm of predominantly male explorers, Bechara depicts a female explorer, challenging conventional narratives.

“I wanted to honor the spirit of the adventurous traveler, who lives beyond the fear of the unknown and navigates fantastical places that exist in realms of their own. She is a feminine entity who is unbound and free to go wherever her heart and curiosity guide her. I wanted to portray her as someone who can overcome any obstacle that tried to slow her down,” says artist Kristel Bechara.

Each artwork in the series represents an individual exploration of the various elements at play in the original painting: ‘The Contemplative Voyageur,’ ‘The Arabesque City of the Future,’ ‘The Mysterious Nine-Tailed Fox (Kitsune),’ ‘The Majestic Vessels of the Skies,’ and ‘The Majestic Vessel of the Seas.’ Viewers will find themselves drawn into a captivating journey, transcending fears, doubts, and limitations.

In collaboration with Gallery 7/40, Bechara extends this captivating voyage to Dubai’s community with a special soirée on January 11th. The venue, inspired by Antoni Gaudi’s architectural designs, resonates with Bechara’s renowned style, integrating innovative mediums, dynamic patterns, and expressive colours set against a monochromatic background.

This event also serves as the announcement for Bechara’s upcoming solo show in collaboration with Kanvas Gallery, inviting art enthusiasts and curious minds to the vernissage on February 22nd, coinciding with Art Dubai. Curated specifically for the region’s largest art fair, this exceptional exhibition seamlessly aligns advanced technology with the narrative of Kristel Bechara’s artistic odyssey at Kanvas Gallery, a new media art hub, with the goal of captivating a diverse audience.

‘A Symphony of Light and Shadows’ is a retrospective exhibition showcasing Bechara’s art in a new dimension. Embracing modern technologies, she offers viewers an innovative yet accessible experience in our digital era. This retrospective exhibition is a testament to Kristel Bechara’s commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and creating immersive experiences for her audience.

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Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President
and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Art Dubai is the leading international platform for art
and artists from the Middle East and Global South, Art Dubai’s 17th edition will present over 100 exhibitors across four gallery sections: Contemporary, Art Dubai Modern, Bawwaba (meaning Gateway in Arabic) and the third edition of Art Dubai Digital, the only dedicated digital section of any major international art fair.

This year’s edition of Art Dubai seeks to expand definitions of the “Global South” beyond traditional
geographic and economic boundaries, emphasising the shared histories and distinct narratives of
communities worldwide, from Delhi, Tehran and Cairo to Bogotá and Guatemala City, as well as diasporic
and migrant histories from global centres like London, Paris and New York. Several galleries will be
showing in multiple sections of the fair, reflecting the breadth of collecting tastes in the region, from Modern Arab masters through cutting-edge contemporary and new media and digital art. Since its foundation in 2007, Art Dubai has sought to reflect Dubai’s diverse global communities, identities and cultures, and this year welcomes more exhibitors than ever who are based in Dubai, which reflects the continued strengthening of the cultural scene and the art market in the Emirate.

Pablo del Val, Art Dubai’s Artistic Director, commented:
“Over nearly two decades, Art Dubai has grown to become the major marketplace and platform for galleries from non-Western art centres. Once again, over 60% of our programme is drawn from the Global South, presenting the best galleries and telling the stories of the leading artists from this region – making Art Dubai unique amongst art fairs in the communities it serves. This year’s exhibitor list clearly demonstrates the continued growth of Dubai’s art scene, the importance of commercial platforms for digital and new media art, and our ongoing commitment to scholarship and under-explored art histories. More than an art fair, we are proud to be a meeting place for these communities, to offer pathways for emerging and younger galleries representing a broad geographic spectrum, and to hold up mirror to the myriad communities who are contributing to the continued growth of Dubai as both a global city, and capital of the Global South.”

The fair is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding. It is sponsored by Swiss Wealth Management Group
Julius Baer. Culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA is a partner of Art Dubai. The Dubai Culture & Arts
Authority (Dubai Culture) is the fair’s strategic partner. Madinat Jumeirah is the home of Art Dubai.
View the full list of Art Dubai 2024 exhibitors here.

ART DUBAI CONTEMPORARY
Art Dubai Contemporary presents the very best in cutting-edge contemporary art from around the world,
with a particular focus on art and artists from the Global South. For our 17th edition, the fair welcomes 72
contemporary exhibitors from more than 50 cities spanning five continents. The 2024 edition will welcome several exhibitors for the first time, including Peres Projects, Gajah, and Voloshyn as well as many who are returning to the fair following hiatus, including Almine Rech, Franco Noero, Nature Morte, Vadehra and Tanit. The fair will also showcase 21 Dubai-based exhibitors, marking the largest presentation to date, and reflecting the continued growth of Dubai as an international cultural hub. This edition also sees increased representation of leading South and South-East Asian, Middle Eastern and international
exhibitors. This growth reflects the rise in the international prominence of these creative centres, reflect
Dubai’s expanding population and communities and underscores the unique role Art Dubai plays as the
primary international platform for art from these regions.

BAWWABA
Bawwaba – meaning gateway in Arabic – focuses on highly curated solo presentations of artists from the
Global South and features artworks made in the 12 months prior to, or specifically for, Art Dubai. Curated
by Emilano Valdés, Chief Curator at the Museum of Modern Art (MAMM) in Medellin, Colombia, the 2024
edition of Bawwaba is entitled Sanación / Healing, and presents a series of artistic practices that explore
healing on a personal and spiritual but also social, historical and political level, examining the ways in
which these varying scales of the healing process relate. A selection of ten solo projects will spotlight
artists who think of art as a place of reckoning, healing, and coming together. At the same time, their work confronts social and political issues, engaging in critical dialogue, and creating a sense of community and social justice. Through a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, and performance, these bodies of work examine the ways in which art can function as a catalyst for transformation and change, comparing how these processes change from country to country or people to people.

The artists and galleries participating in Bawwaba’s 2024 edition are: Laxmipriya Panigrahi (Anant Art);
AVAF – Assumed Vivid Astro Focus (Baró); Arshi Irshad Ahmadzai (Blueprint12); Debashish Paul
(Emami Art); Manuel Chavajai (Extra); Manjot Kaur (Latitude 28); Nicolás Janowski (Invernizzi);
Reinata Sadimba (Perve); Abul Hisham (Secci); and Faissal El Maleki (Tashkeel).

ART DUBAI MODERN
Art Dubai Modern is curated by Dr. Christianna Bonin, Assistant Professor of Art History at the American
University of Sharjah, and focuses on the histories of art education and display that gave rise to today’s
Global South.

Beginning in the 1960s, the Soviet Union conducted robust cultural exchange with artists, filmmakers,
musicians and architects in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, providing scholarships and exhibition
opportunities in a parallel political and cultural programme to Western countries. This presentation will
reveal the shared creative approaches, setbacks and aspirations which resulted from these common
experiences. It will feature a plurality of artistic voices from places as seemingly distant and distinct as
Uganda, Syria, Ukraine and Sri Lanka, inviting consideration of connections that transcend existing
geopolitical borders and instead link East to East and South to South.

The section will also examine the growing importance of cities such as Kyiv, Cairo, Almaty and Tashkent
as centres of international study and exchange in this period. It draws attention to these significant yet
understudied aspects of the history of art from these regions, uncovering new art practices and
perspectives for the fair’s audiences.

The participating artists and galleries in Art Dubai Modern 2024 are:
Agial: Wahib Beteddini (Lebanon, 1929-2011) and Abdul Mannan Shamma (Syria, b.1937)
Afriart: Samuel Kakaire (Uganda, b.1961)
Saskia Fernando: Chandraguptha Thenuwara (Sri Lanka, b.1960)
Mark Hachem: Hamed Abdalla (Egypt, 1917-1985), Fatima El Hajj (Lebanon, b.1953) and Michel
Basbous (Lebanon, 1921-1981)
Leila Heller: Marcos Grigorian (Armenia, 1925-2007)
Gazelli Art House: Tair Salakhov (Azerbaijan, 1928-2021), Ashraf Murad (Azerbaijan, 1929-1979)
and Farhad Khalilov (Azerbaijan, b.1946)
Hafez: Abdulsattar Al Mussa (KSA, b.1960) and Hakim Al Akil (Yemen, b.1965)
Meem: Dia Al-Azzawi (Iraq, b. 1939), Ismail Fattah (Iraq, 1934-2004), Muhammed Aref, (Iraq,
1937-2009) and Mahmoud Sabri, (Iraq, 1927-2012)
Voloshyn: Fedir Tetianych (Ukraine, 1942–2007)

ART DUBAI DIGITAL
Art Dubai 2024 marks the third edition of Art Dubai Digital, founded in 2022 to provide an annual 360-
degree snapshot of the digital art landscape, exploring how artists are utilising new, immersive technologies to collapse the boundaries of the traditional art world. Art Dubai Digital welcomes galleries
with innovative new media programmes, as well as digital platforms building virtual art spaces, alongside
the artist collectives and Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAOs) that are challenging and pushing forward new models for artistic production and support. Reinforcing Art Dubai’s commitment to
presenting global perspectives and diversity, Art Dubai Digital invites audiences to look beyond traditional art centres and models, mapping out the key agents and the platforms leading the way.

Art Dubai Digital 2024 is curated by Alfredo Cramerotti and Auronda Scalera, whose presentation is
titled Expansion / Diffusion. Inspired by the American astronomer Edwin Hubble’s discovery, almost 100
years ago, that the universe was in expansion, the curators have measured the temperature of artistic
practices around the world, spanning geographies, time zones and formats. They have selected the
section’s participants through what they term “the field of art and advanced technologies” (AxAT): technical innovation through the lens of contemporary art, and vice-versa. Across more than 20 presentations, Art Dubai Digital 2024 will present an expanded vision of what it is, may be, and will be, in the field of contemporary art.

On show will be a diverse range of media including digital video, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality
(VR), extended reality (XR), artificial intelligence (AI), generative art, robotic art, NFTs and immersive art
experiences. Themes explored by the artists and collectives on show include the intersection of technology and spirituality; digital approaches to heritage preservation; and the empowerment of women artists. Highlights will include a unique presentation by 1 of 1 platform, founded by Ryan Zurrer and which defines 21st-century artworks will present the exceptional talent of female digital artists IX Shells and Auriea Harvey; Unit London will explore the human body through the digital perspectives of Krista Kim, Linda Dounia, and Studio Meeson; and bitforms will feature Manfred Mohr, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, and Refik Anadol.

A further highlight will be {R(Evolutionaries);}, a groundbreaking exhibition from the Dubai-based platform MORROW collective. Celebrating ten years of blockchain art, the presentation will focus on the pioneers and leading figures who have shaped this space, including original genesis pieces and re-imaginings of historic work, alongside new creations.

Further details of the Art Dubai 2024 programme and partnerships will be announced in December 2023.

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The first details of the HUNA Cultural Program were revealed at a special event at The Fold, a new urban community developed by HUNA and completed in July 2023, nestled in the heart of Jumeirah. The launch was attended by leading cultural figures alongside leading architects from the region, who held a panel discussion exploring how architecture and design can respond to history, culture, and context, and how they translate to human needs, values, and behaviours. Speaking at the event were: Tarik Khayyat, renowned architect and designer of The Fold and H-Residence; Ross Lovegrove, a creator, experimental thinker, and sculptor of technology who blends design, nature and art; and Arianna Bavuso, co-founder of AB+AC Architects, known for promoting positive community living through urbanism, architecture, and design.

Comprising bespoke experiences that will blend visual art, performance, music and gastronomy, the HUNA Cultural Program reflects A.R.M. Holding’s dedication to enriching Dubai’s cultural landscape and offers residents a platform for engagement, inspiration, and artistic inspiration. Art Dubai is curating a series of tailored experiences that promise to immerse and inspire a community rooted in art. The program will see a year-round calendar of events that blend art with insightful dialogues and interactive experiences, featuring thought-provoking talks by prominent figures, traversing topics from culture to technology and beyond, complemented by artistic performances that will transform HUNA into a cultural hub. A highlight is the HUNA Sculpture Park at H-Residence, which will debut in conjunction with Art Dubai 2024, taking place from March 1 – 3, 2024. The space is envisioned as a cultural sanctuary where art narrates stories of identity and heritage, fostering a deep connection with the community.

HUNA is redefining the concept of living spaces by infusing culture, art, and community into every development. New HUNA developments The Fold and H-Residence are architectural embodiments of HUNA’s vision, offering residents a lifestyle that is both luxurious and culturally enriched. The partnership with Art Dubai ensures that HUNA communities are not just living spaces but hubs of cultural exchanges and artistic expression. HUNA residents enjoy exclusive access to cultural events, art exhibitions and a lifestyle that intertwines art, culture, and comfort.

Umran Shah, Managing Director of Commercial Leasing at A.R.M. Holding, said “HUNA is a catalyst for experience, a curator of culture, and the creator of communities where every day is a celebration of life. Our journey at HUNA has always been driven by a singular version – to elevate everyday living through art and community. We believe in crafting spaces that are not just structures, but destinations of cultural and creative confluence. Our developments, The Fold and H-Residence, are testaments to this philosophy, embodying a blend of luxury, art, and community spirit. In our collaboration with Art Dubai, we are nurturing a cultural ecosystem. The HUNA Cultural Program is a vibrant expression of our commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement”

Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, and curator of the HUNA Cultural Program said: “Art Dubai is thrilled to curate the HUNA Cultural Program, a true celebration of creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange. This Program demonstrates HUNA’s and Art Dubai’s shared commitment to world-class cultural experiences, to nurturing creative communities, and to showcasing the best artistic talents in the UAE”

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Mammadov’s creative prowess has earned him recognition at various international biennales, festivals, and fairs, including Art Basel, Art Dubai, and the Venice Biennale. His innovative works transcend traditional boundaries, blurring the lines between the virtual and real worlds. By exploring the interplay between utopia and dystopia, the body and technology, he invites viewers to contemplate themes of alienation, escapism, and cultural displacement. Mammadov’s profound cultural commentary highlights the significance of machine intelligence in shaping and preserving cultural heritage, sparking engaging conversations and narratives.

Orkhan Mammadov’s passion for digitalizing and regenerating cultural heritage stems from a deep personal interest. His spatial juxtapositions serve as experimental grounds, provoking questions about the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic implications of artificial visual cultural artifacts. Through extensive research-based practice, Mammadov’s works eloquently showcase the importance of traditions and history in appreciating and safeguarding tangible and intangible heritage assets from Azerbaijan and the Middle East.

Internationally acclaimed for his cultural data sculptures and dynamic carpet installations, Mammadov explores the multifaceted experiences of disaffected and displaced cultures, intertwining fiction and physicality. His creations forge a dialogue between machine intelligence and cultural heritage, stimulating profound reflections on our shared human experience. Drawing inspiration from Girih patterns and carpet illustrations, he breathes life into countless official and unofficial emblems that embody the cultural heritage of the Middle East, offering digital alternatives that transcend time for future generations.
Orkhan Mammadov’s visionary talent and fearless exploration of the intersection between media art and cultural heritage have positioned him as a pioneering force in the art world.

His thought-provoking artworks challenge conventional notions, opening new avenues for understanding and interpreting our rapidly evolving contemporary landscape. Through his creative endeavours, Mammadov continues to leave an indelible mark, offering fresh perspectives and reshaping the boundaries of artistic expression.

One of his most influential projects The Eastern Promises: Preserving Orientalist Painting Through Data Science invites us to consider the role of technology in art and the ways in which it can be utilised to engage in new forms of artistic expression. Art as a meta-discipline is “an umbrella encompassing history, philosophy, nature and science.” The AI-powered paintings presented by Mammadov offer a fresh and innovative take on a timeless artistic tradition, provide a glimpse into the future of art-making in the digital age, and raise crucial questions about polarization, redefining our rapidly developing world as well as exploring and preserving the social and cultural heritage of humanity, with its own intricacies, in a way that has yet to be decoded by future generations.

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These new figures demonstrate a significant increase in economic impact, surpassing the previous comparable data by over 55 percent. In 2019, the fair had a direct economic impact of Dh92 million. This substantial growth reflects Dubai’s progress as a burgeoning cultural and creative hub, highlighting its rapid development as a global destination.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 2023 edition of Art Dubai was the most successful to date. It featured over 130 contemporary and modern exhibitors from more than 40 countries and saw strong participation from regional and international institutional representatives.

Hala Badri, the Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, expressed the city’s comprehensive creative and cultural movement, which plays a pivotal role in realizing Dubai’s vision of establishing itself as a global center for culture, a hub for creativity, and a thriving talent pool. Dubai Culture is committed to supporting the cultural and arts sector by adopting innovative methods to attract talent and art enthusiasts. It provides creative platforms for artists to express their ideas and expand their creative contributions, enriching Dubai’s vibrant art scene. The remarkable success of the 16th edition of Art Dubai reflects the city’s global position as a vital hub for artistic and creative events.

Art Dubai has become a premier platform for experiencing and acquiring art from the Global South. The fair showcases contemporary, modern, and digital gallery sections, annual artist commissions, and year-round collector and education programs. It has established itself as a regional cultural hub and an increasingly important meeting point for the art world in the Global South. Over the past decade, Dubai has experienced rapid growth, and Art Dubai now attracts top collectors and institutional audiences from the UAE, the region, and internationally.

The fair is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding and has gained sponsorship from Julius Baer, a Swiss Wealth Management Group. HUNA, a culturally-rich developer and partner of Art Dubai, also provides support to the fair. The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority serves as the fair’s strategic partner, and Madinat Jumeirah offers a stunning venue for the event.

Looking ahead, Art Dubai’s 2024 edition is scheduled to take place at Madinat Jumeirah from March 1-3, with previews on February 28 and 29. The fair continues to grow in stature and importance, solidifying Dubai’s position as a global destination for art and culture.

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