Abu Dhabi Art Presents a Diverse Programme of Interactive Events

Abu Dhabi, 15 November 2016: Abu Dhabi Art 2016 will open to the public at Manarat Al Saadiyat tomorrow (Wednesday), inviting visitors to experience a wide variety of curated talks and artistic performances as part of a multidisciplinary programme taking place from 16-19 November.

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, Abu Dhabi Art will be offering a packed schedule of engaging discussions and visual displays during the first day of the fair.

Majlis Fann

A stimulating series of cultural talks and book launches featuring some of the art world’s most influential figures, Majlis Fann begins with “A Curatorial Vision.” The talk brings together the innovative curators invited by Abu Dhabi Art for this year’s programme, including Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Creator, Asian Art and Senior Advisor, Global Arts at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, (Re)Birth curator Fabrice Bousteau, Majlis Fann curator Reem Fadda and Durub Al Tawaya curator Tarek Abou El Fetouh.

Auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 2:00pm - 3:00 pm.

“A Curatorial Vision” will be followed by the keynote “Julia Peyton Jones” featuring former Co-Director of the Serpentine Gallery Julia Peyton Jones as she leads the audience in a discussion moderated by Founder and CEO of The Art Newspaper, Anna Somers Cocks.

Auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 4:00pm – 5:00pm.

Majlis Fann will end Wednesday with two book launches in the Gallery Hall, including “Waqas Khan” by Waqas Khan, an artist whose work has been shown at major art fairs all around the world including Art Basel (Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong), ARCOmadrid, Art Brussels, Artissima, Frieze London, India Art Fair, and Art Art Stage Singapore.

Booth C1, Gallery Hall, Manarat Al Saadiyat at 5:30pm

The second book launch will be for “At 9:15am Sunday 28 May 1967” by contemporary artist Reza Aramesh, who confronts violence and oppression around the world and examines how mass media portrays conflicts and their ramifications.

Booth A8, Gallery Hall, Manarat Al Saadiyat at 6:00pm

Performing Arts

Continuing the vibrant Performing Arts programme for Abu Dhabi Art 2016 is the “Monumental Calligraphy” performance by Wang Dongling. The live rendering of monumental calligraphy-based works will return on Thursday under the direction of Nja Mahdaoui.

Garden at Manarat Al Saadiyat, 6:30pm – 7:30pm

The fourth edition of Durub Al Tawaya will also continue through an entrancing performance by blindfolded dancers, the TAO Dance Theater, in an incredibly creative choreographed piece titled “4.”

Auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 8:00pm – 8:30pm

The Performing Arts programme will close Wednesday with Raed Yassin and Paed Conca, who will take their latest experimental concert outside of Manarat Al Saadiyat to present an exciting arrangement of Arabic popular music, free jazz and electronics.

Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, 10:30pm - 12:00am.

Workshops and tours

Engaging hands-on workshops for children aged eight years and below will invite budding young artists to create works inspired by Abu Dhabi Art, while guided tours will highlight current trends in the world of art for the duration of the fair.

Abu Dhabi Art Gallery Halls, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 2:00pm – 9pm daily.

From the opening of the fair through to next year, a number of incredible design projects and architectural wonders will also be on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat and across Abu Dhabi city.

Manarat Al Saadiyat and Abu Dhabi city, 16 November 2016 to 13 May 2017.

For more information about galleries, art installations, and more engaging exhibits open to visitors at Abu Dhabi Art 2016, 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.