Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation launches the Artists' Studio

This year ADMAF is launching a new, long-term initiative that will open yet another window of opportunity to nurture creative thinking in the UAE and enhance Abu Dhabi’s vision as an international capital of culture. 

‘The Artists’ Studio’ seeks to build upon ADMAF’s existing programme of live performances through an online library of interactive artist interviews. The ever-growing library will document the journey of cultural innovation by many of the world’s leading artists visiting Abu Dhabi through their partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. The inaugural Artists’ Studio session with Al Jarreau will explore and encourage creativity in the UAE. 

A group of 50 young nationals had the chance to participate in a special discussion with jazz artist and seven-time Grammy Award winner Al Jarreau as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2011. Staged with students from Zayed University, UAE University Al Ain, Al Ain University of Science and Technology and Takatoff this interactive session, entitled ‘The Artists’ Studio’ aimed to give the students a first-hand opportunity to learn more about the work of artists and career prospects in the creative and cultural industries. Moderated by virtuoso cellist and inspirational educator Matthew Barley, the interview took take place at twofour54 studios in Abu Dhabi. 

The Abu Dhabi Festival, presented by the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, and held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces is committed to nurturing the talent of the nation’s next generation of creative thinkers and providing new ways to inspire this important group of youngsters. Taking the format of a moderated interview followed by Q&A, there was plenty of opportunity for the live studio audience to quiz Jarreau about his musical career that has spanned more than five decades and crossed genres including jazz, pop and R&B. 

Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “The Artists’ Studio is another milestone in our continuing journey to unite the creative ambition of Abu Dhabi with the rest of the world. As we look to nurture the talent and skill among the next generation of the UAE, it is important that we enable them to learn and hear the experiences of the very best artists, musicians and cultural entrepreneurs. We are delighted that Al Jarreau will launch The Artists’ Studio in what is sure to be a fascinating and inspirational session for all involved.” 

For those not lucky enough to have participated in the session, a recording of the inaugural Artists’ Studio has been uploaded online. It captures unique insights from the jazz legend, audience interaction and includes exclusive clips from Jarreau’s Abu Dhabi performance last April as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival which took the local audience by storm.