Dubai Culture collaborates with Institut Français for Artists-in-Residence programme

In line with its mandate to strengthen artistic excellence and intercultural cooperation, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Institut Français to expand current platforms for cultural and artistic exchange between France and the UAE. 

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and David Berolotti, Director and Advisor to the Ambassador for Cultural Affairs, signed the agreement. Under the MoU, the Authority and Institut Français have launched an Artist-in-Residence programme, in line with Dubai Culture’s mandate to create robust growth opportunities for UAE-based and international talent in Dubai. 

A part of Dubai Culture’s Arts Services initiative, this year’s programme opens the doors for cultural exchange for a French designer and a writer, enabling them to partner with Emirati and UAE-based artists. The objective of the programme is to further strengthen the understanding of the local heritage and culture among the participants through educational activities such as workshops, school tours and mentorship. 

The Artists-in-Residence programme will run from October 15 to December 15, 2012, in the historic Al Bastakiya, the cultural nerve-centre of Dubai, providing the artists with the opportunity to derive inspiration from the city. 

Saeed Al Nabouda, said: “France and the UAE have shared strong cultural links especially through culture and the arts. This programme gives us the opportunity to further strengthen these ties by crossing cultural boundaries and exploring the facets of creativity that artists can attain in Dubai. 

“Our partnership with Institut Français complements the Authority’s vision of enhancing strategic cooperation with institutions both regionally and around the world to spearhead intercultural understanding and exchange. We will continue to explore several key initiatives in the future, and lend momentum to this collaboration,” he added. 

David Bertolotti, Director of Institut Français in the UAE, said: "I am delighted to start this Artist-in-Residence programme with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. This, I hope, is only the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration between our two institutions, which both aim at fostering intellectual and cultural bridges between our respective youths and artistic worlds. I would like to thank the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority for welcoming French artists in this vibrant and inspiring city, and would be very glad to see Emirati artists coming to Paris soon for residencies in Cité Internationale des Arts". 

Led by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Institut Français was established in January 2011 as a new government agency in charge of promoting French culture abroad, to encourage international artistic exchange, strengthen intercultural understanding, and support cultural development around the world. The branch office of Institut Français in the UAE was created in January 2012, in the premises of the French Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai Culture’s multifaceted services are aimed at recognising and cultivating the skills of Emirati and local-based artists. Having already activated workshops, advisory services, and artist commissioning, the Authority also supports the annual Artists-in-Residence programme in association with Delfina Foundation, Tashkeel and Art Dubai, with the support of the British Council, at the historic Al Bastakiya. 

The Authority is committed to underscoring the Emirati artistic heritage of Dubai and its vibrant contemporary arts environment, while offering a conducive environment to nurture and strengthen artistic talent in the Emirate.