Dubai Culture Concludes ‘Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme’ at Venice Biennale

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Dubai Culture has successfully concluded its Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at showcasing Emirati artists at the 60th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale under the theme “Foreigners Everywhere.” Supported by the Sikka Platform, this programme underscores Dubai Culture’s dedication to fostering local talent and facilitating engagement with global art practices.

Ten prominent Emirati artists, including Anood Al Khoori, Duha Al Hallami, and Elham Karimi, participated in an enriching cultural journey, exploring the UAE Pavilion at Arsenale’s Sale d’Armi and Abdulla Al Saadi’s exhibit, Sites of Memory, Sites of Amnesia, a profound reflection on the UAE’s natural heritage and landscapes.

The artists also immersed themselves in Venice’s historic sites such as the Doge’s Palace, the Rubelli Foundation, and the Fondazione Giorgio Cini, gaining insights into the symbiosis between art and environment. Their itinerary included meetings with design experts and notable artists, including Fabrizio Plessi, who emphasized the narrative potential of technology in art, and an interactive workshop by Fernando Masone on merging traditional and contemporary techniques.

Dubai Culture’s Director-General Hala Badri attended the UAE Pavilion, supporting Emirati talent at the Biennale and exploring international pavilions, such as those of Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Badri met with Italian cultural leaders to discuss potential collaborations and conveyed Dubai Culture’s ongoing mission to promote local talent on a global scale. She praised the participating artists for their innovative contributions, reinforcing Dubai Culture’s goal of establishing Dubai as a leading cultural hub.