VIP Opening release
Abdullah bin Zayed Opens Abu Dhabi Art 2016
· Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces
· Engaging artistic dialogue, distinctively curated exhibitions and captivating performances presented in Abu Dhabi Art’s 8th edition
Abu Dhabi, 15 November, 2016: His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,today opened the eighth edition of Abu Dhabi Art, which welcomes the public from Wednesday 16 November to Saturday 19 November, from 2pm-10pm at Manarat Al Saadiyat in the Saadiyat Cultural District.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah toured the galleries at Manarat Al Saadiyat, meeting with the leading curators and artists who will be providing exceptional contributions to the extensive programme for Abu Dhabi Art 2016.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Art presents an art fair with a distinctive public programme that connects with the wider community through a dynamic schedule of performing arts, talks, collaborative community initiatives, and a diverse range of international galleries showcasing a variety of inspiring artworks and iconic installations
The opening was attended by HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, HE SheikhaLubnabint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, HENouraAl Kaabi, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs, H.E. Saeed Eid Alghafli, Chairman of the Executive Office, in the presence of HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, HE Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Cultural and Media Advisor at the Vice Chairman’s Office of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, HE Mansour Al Mansouri, Acting Director General of National Media Council, accompanied by HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, as well as ambassadors, senior officials, artists and art enthusiasts.
Commenting on the opening of Abu Dhabi Art 2016, TCA Abu Dhabi Chairman, HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Abu Dhabi Art was created to reflect the thriving artistic spirit in the emirate, showcasing a diverse programme of creative expression that serves as a platform to engage with a global audience. As we present this year’s edition, we look ahead to bringing together leading artists from the UAE and abroad in order to foster Abu Dhabi’s growing artistic awareness for international art trends and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global centre for cultural and artistic expression.”
Abu Dhabi Art once again brings together leading artists, curators, museum directors, art historians and galleries exhibited across the fair’s main sections; Modern & Contemporary, Bidaya, and Beyond. In this year’s edition of Abu Dhabi Art, a new exhibition concept ‘Gateway’ is introduced. Abu Dhabi Art offers a dynamic programme of talks by influential figures in the global art world, and a variety of live performances and installations at Manarat Al Saadiyat and across the capital to engage with the communities of Abu Dhabi and celebrate its cultural and artistic diversity.
Abu Dhabi Art runs daily from Wednesday 16 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. Entry and programmes are complimentary, although pre-registration is advisable to avoid disappointment. For more information and registration for talks and performances, please visit abudhabiart.ae.
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About Abu Dhabi Art
Abu Dhabi Art offers a multi-disciplinary experience combining an art fair with a diverse arts programme. The art fair presents innovative and established galleries from around the world showcasing artworks for sale, and the Abu Dhabi Art programme features a dynamic interdisciplinary set of art, talks and sensational events for all audiences to enjoy. Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Art continuously evolves and adapts to the ongoing developments of the cultural landscape in the Saadiyat Cultural District and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, promoting the city as a catalyst for art and culture.
About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.