Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation welcomes the first 40 local artists registering with ‘The Nationals’ gallery’

Press release

Published December 26th, 2010 - 03:58 GMT

The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation today announced that since launching in November this year, more than 40 Emirati visual artists have registered to take part in The Nationals' Gallery (Riwaq Al Fan Al Emirati), a nationwide initiative dedicated to the growth and development of contemporary artistic expression within the UAE. They join a host of well-established artists throughout the UAE who have already pledged their support of the Gallery including Jalal Luqman, Matar bin Lahej, Karima Al Shomali, Ebtissam Abdel Aziz and Khalil Abdel Wahid.

The Nationals' Gallery was created to assist in the development of home-grown artistic talent across the UAE. As it progresses, it will be the first stop for Emirati artists seeking to widen their exposure and for international galleries, dealers and collectors to easily access information about artists from the seven Emirates.

The process for registering with The Nationals' Gallery is simple yet thorough. Upon joining the Gallery, each artist receives a one-to-one consultation session with ADMAF to offer them advice, information and contacts within the national, regional and international contemporary arts scenes.

The newly registered artists are then offered the opportunity to showcase examples of their work, and to feature up-to-date biographies, resumes, artist statements and upcoming exhibition details within the Gallery, which is to be hosted on the ADMAF website. Additionally they are given the chance to access a fund designed to help Emirati arts practitioners who wish to undertake postgraduate studies, independent research, exhibitions or installations.

Through The Nationals' Gallery, ADMAF aims to create a dedicated resource for local artists that provides access to current and relevant information and empowers them with opportunities to accelerate their careers and enhance their talent.

Mrs Kanoo Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said:

"We have always known that there exists a great pool of creative talent within the UAE, with great visual artists such as Matar bin Lahej and Lamya Gargash receiving international acclaim for their work. However there are so many other talented local artists out there and it is very exciting to bring them together through The Nationals' Gallery and to showcase to the world the quality and depth of our home-grown talent.

"In just over a month over 40 artists have joined our new initiative, and the wonderful thing is we know this is just the tip of the iceberg and that there are many more making their way to us. We will be working individually with each of these artists, providing training and resources where necessary; to ensure these talented Nationals are given the opportunity to reach their full potential and shine.

"We wholeheartedly encourage all Emirati visual artists, whether they are students, emerging or established artist, to register with The Nationals' Gallery so that we can work together and proudly showcase to the world our artistic excellence."

Visual artists wishing to take register with The Nationals' Gallery should contact ADMAF directly on Tel: 02- 677 8432 or go to www.admaf.org.

Background Information

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

Through arts education, community arts and special projects, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has been nurturing creativity across the UAE for more than two decades. Since its establishment by Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo in 1996, it has been at the forefront of the UAE’s arts sector, inspiring young people, the public and artists, enabling creative expression through a wide range of programmes and projects. By bringing together audiences and institutions, the Foundation has helped embed arts and culture in the heart of the nation.

It seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision, motivated by the belief that culture is the key that unlocks a nation’s creativity and the language that transcends borders. Culture is the anchor that unites a nation and ADMAF undertakes a broad range of initiatives and events each year to bring together diverse audiences in the UAE and internationally. As well as fostering close communities and cross-cultural dialogues, the Foundation also recognises the fundamental right for every person, regardless of age or ability, to access, understand and appreciate cultural expression.