Abu Dhabi Art | 2015 | anexpatabroad

“No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.” Oscar Wilde

Now that the repressive heat and humidity of the summer is (almost) finally over that signifies the start of a full calendar of indoor and outdoor, events here in Abu Dhabi over the next few months. One annual event that’s always on my to do list is Abu Dhabi Art that takes place at the capital’s arts and cultural centre Manarat Al Saadiyat.

This year, the seventh Abu Dhabi Art event presented by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will take place from 18th – 21st November, showcasing a selection of the world’s leading modern art galleries alongside a full programme of performances, talks and experiences at Manarat Al Saadiyat, part of the Saadiyat Cultural District located on Saadiyat Island. The event will once again offer the local community the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of contemporary art from leading artists, galleries, art historians, curators, museum directors as well as collectors from across the globe, celebrating the cultural diversity of the UAE.

Abu Dhabi Art offers both a public schedule connecting with the wider community through its performing arts programme, talks and community initiatives and an art fair which showcases celebrated and emerging exhibiting galleries as well as initiatives that help support budding artists. Forty established galleries will be exhibiting a diverse collection of artworks this year from Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East giving exposure to talented artists alongside celebrated and iconic pieces by the world’s leading artists.

Galleries will exhibit under the five established sections of the fair, Modern, Contemporary and Design Galleries, Signature (where galleries present their emerging artists), Beyond (large-scale installations, sculptures and site specific commissions by selected artists), Bidaya (which highlights one up-and-coming gallery) and Artists’ Waves (an artist-led exhibition).

The popular Abu Dhabi Art’s series of talks, panel discussions and public forums return again this year aiming to introduce audiences to some of the art world’s leading figures who will engage in discussions about the history and present day contemporary art scene in the UAE. For more information about the event, the panelists and the full programme visit the website abudhabiart.ae

Running in parallel with Abu Dhabi Art is the fourth biannual Emirati Expressions exhibition that will present artistic and cultural expressions by Emirati artists. The full list of participating galleries in this year’s Abu Dhabi Art can be found by visiting the website here. If you like art and enjoy a bit of culture like me then I would suggest you schedule a visit to this year’s Abu Dhabi Art exhibition next month, admission is free for visitors too.

Abu Dhabi Art

Date: Sunday 18th – Wednesday 21st November 2015

Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Telephone: 02 657 5800 (Manarat Al Saadiyat)Website: www.abudhabiart.ae

Email: abudhabiart@tcaabudhabi.ae

Abu Dhabi Art can also be found on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.