ART DUBAI´s Art Week Education Programme

Art Dubai is delighted to announce the launch of the Art Week Education Programme, providing opportunities for young people in the UAE to get involved in the world of contemporary art and design.

A new series of monthly seminars will begin at the Pavilion, Downtown Dubai, on December 4, 2011 as part of Art Dubai’s continual efforts to grow art audiences, support local talent, and provide educational opportunities for locally-based students and graduates.

Art Week (March 15-25, 2012) is an umbrella initiative that includes new gallery exhibitions and artists’ projects, fairs, performances and major museum shows, taking place across the UAE and the Gulf to coincide with Art Dubai.

The aim of the new seminars is to offer participants an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of contemporary art and design; meet like-minded students, graduates and enthusiasts; and the chance to apply for a place on the Art Week Internship Programme.

The seminars take the form of a series of talks and workshops by leaders within the field. Once a month, from December to March, attendees will have access to experts sharing their knowledge, insights and practical advice. The seminars will also be an opportunity to network with the speakers, like-minded students, graduates and individuals.

The seminars will cover a wide range of topics; from an introduction to Art Week and the internship programme; gallery management and exhibition-making; foundations and the not-for-profit sector; artists’ residencies; and the contemporary design industry. Talks will be given by industry key figures, gallery owners, educators, previous interns and artists.

The seminars are also targeted at potential interns and on-site fair assistants.

“I have interned with Art Dubai twice already. It’s a great experience to get exposed to the art world, gain valuable knowledge, meet people and make contacts for the future,” said Madiha Qadir Sheikh, from the College of Fine Arts, Sharjah.

“The office is a very active place where people are open to new ideas. I felt I was contributing as I was given a few responsibilities. It was fantastic to be part of the team and learn how a major international art fair is organised and managed.” Noor Al Khaja, American University of Sharjah.

“We are delighted to be growing Art Dubai’s educational programme to encompass year-round seminars and educational initiatives that will offer insight on the latest developments in the Middle East’s contemporary arts landscape. These programmes have been designed to offer students, graduates and arts enthusiasts a chance to actively participate in successful international fairs, immerse themselves in the local cultural community and engage with artists, gallerists, curators, filmmakers and other visionaries,” said Antonia Carver, Fair Director, Art Dubai

“Our foremost ambition is to create a platform where local participants can create and exchange ideas and play an interactive role as the region’s art sector develops.”

Art Dubai’s internship Programme was initiated in September 2007. Since then over 300 students and recent graduates from 40 nationalities and 18 educational institutions have participated in the scheme and gone on to find further work experience opportunities and permanent placements within Art Dubai and its partner organisations.

ART DUBAI: http://www.artdubai.ae/