Majlis Fann Set to Cultivate Artistic Dialogue during Abu Dhabi Art 2016

Abu Dhabi, 5 November 2016: Majlis Fann, a newly initiated cultural forum and platform for stimulating talks and panel discussions led by some of the most influential figures of the art world, is set to engage audiences in a dialogue about the history and complexities of art practices in the UAE during this year’s 8th edition of Abu Dhabi Art, taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 16 to 19.

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 presents a public programme that connects with the wider community through a dynamic schedule of performing arts, talks and collaborative community initiatives.

Reem Fadda, Majlis Fann curator, said: “Majlis Fann is a two-tiered programme comprised of a series of curated talks and panel discussions with distinguished art world figures to engage in dialogue on the local, regional and international art scene’s evolution. The platform will also host an exclusive cultural platform of events catered to patrons and practitioners from the international arts community.

On the opening day, Anna Somers Cocks, Founder and CEO at The Art Newspaper will moderate a panel discussion titled Abu Dhabi Art: A Curatorial Vision. This group discussion brings together this year’s four Abu Dhabi Art curators Alexandra Munroe, Samsung Senior Curator Asian Art and Senior Advisor, Global Arts at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, Fabrice Bousteau, Artistic Director and long-term Abu Dhabi Art collaborator, Tarek Abou El Fetouh, Curator of Durub Al Tawaya performing arts programme and Reem Fadda, Curator of the Majlis Fann programme. Panel discussions promise audiences diverse perspectives on the trends impacting the artistic landscape in the UAE and in a global context.

Two of the art world’s major figures; curator Okwui Enwezor, director of Haus der Kunst and artistic director of la Biennale di Venzezia 2015, and celebrated architect David Adjaye, whose most recent work includes the much talked about, recently inaugurated African American Museum in Washington D.C., will be participating in Majlis Fann.

As an additional offering from Majlis Fann, artist Idris Khan, represented by Sean Kelly Gallery, will discuss his influences and artistic practice. In the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series, artists and curators offer multiple perspectives on distinctive histories of modern and contemporary art, examining points of exchange and collaboration across time and place. This year’s panel focuses on a defining and dynamic chapter that unfolded in the United Arab Emirates starting the 1980s and involved artists and writers including Mohammed Kazem, Adel Khozam and the late Hassan Sharif, one of the anchors of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection and whose lasting impact will be celebrated through this programme.

Other featured talks will include an instalment of Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series, a conversation with Giuseppe Penone, moderated by Jean-Francois Charnier, Scientific Director of Agence France Museums. Multaqa Zayed National Museum will take the format of an ‘in conversation’ session with senior figures from the national museums of the GCC. With each of the museums being at a different stage in their life cycle; from planning and development stages, to soft opening, to well established, this talk will cover a number of topics relevant to each including; building collections and capacity, policies and current issues. The discussion will look at the museums role in the wider world, remaining relevant to the political and social environment. The session will be moderated by Zayed National Museum Project Manager at TCA Abu Dhabi, Salama Al Shamsi.

The curated series of talks, discussions and presentations will bring diverse perspectives on global trends to an inspiring schedule of cultural engagement. Under the curatorship of Reem Fadda, Abu Dhabi Art’s Majlis Fann daily programme promises fair visitors diverse and interactive perspectives on global trends reflecting the exceptional calibre of contemporary cultural practice for which Abu Dhabi Art is renowned for.

Abu Dhabi Art is a distinctive platform that celebrates the vitality of Abu Dhabi and the ever-changing contemporary art scene. Evolving and adapting to the ongoing development of the cultural landscape in the Saadiyat Cultural District and the emirate of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Art embodies the cultural intrigue and creative ambition that defines the city.

For more information, 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 Culture and Tourism 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.