For the seventh time, Art Dubai will turn the City of Gold into an international art hub. The fair will be held from March 20th to the 23rd. In it, will participate 75 galleries from 30 different countries. The total number of artists whose works will be showcased is more than 500. About half of them come from the Middle East or South Asia. However, there are many galleries and artists from Europe and America.
The event was officially opened today by the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bi Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The price made a tour at the exhibition, viewing the halls which will showcase the works of many artists over the next few days.
The opening of the fair was also attended by the Director General of HH Dubai Ruler’s Court Mohammed Al Shaibani, the Secretary General of the Executive Council in Dubai Abdulla Al Shaibani, as well as the Director General of Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Hilal Al Marri.
In addition, the event will be also visited by many other famous figures from various spheres. Among them are writer Mourid Barghouti, musician Andre Vida, political scientist Dr Abdul Khaleq Abdullah and the ex-singer of REM Michael Stipe. According to the director of the event Antonia Carver, Art Dubai is now being regarded as the largest annual art conference on the globe. That is why the organizers have made the decision to expand its reach and invite people from other spheres.
Art Dubai 2013 bears the name “It Means This” and it will celebrate the return of Marker. This is a special section of the exhibition which is organized by Bisi Silva. This year, it will have a West African theme. The section will offer different scenes from all over the region and it will consist of five spaces. They will all showcase the works of various artists.
Among the key highlights of the seventh edition of Art Dubai is Shaikha Manal Little Artists programme. It is brand new and it will focus on kids on ages between 3 and 14. The programme will offer various workshops and tours to children. Also, the little artists will have the chance to make a shadow puppet theatre.
Art lovers not only in Dubai, but in the whole world can stay updated on all the art news thanks to a special radio station. Behind it is Fari Bradley, who is a popular radio presenter and producer. The radio will air interviews with Art Dubai participants, organizers and many others.
In addition, this year Art Dubai will offer a VIP programme for museum groups and collectors. It will consist of visits to Abu Dhabi, Doha and other local spots, as well as meetings with local collectors and artists. Also, participants in the VIP programme will have the opportunity to enjoy a guided tour of Burj Khalifa. However, other visitors of the exhibition can also go on similar tours. On them, they will learn more about the displayed works, the Sculpture Park and the Art Dubai Projects.
