Palestinians take center stage at this year’s Art Dubai

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INTERNATIONAL. Art Park, the underground art space dedicated to experimental and site-specific artwork, will again play host to a dynamic program, this year collaborating with leading Middle Eastern not-for-profit organisations such as the Art School Palestine and ArteEast.

Situated beneath the main halls of Art Dubai, Art Park acts as a space for the exploration of site-specific artworks with particular emphasis placed on experimental film and video, reflecting the current vibrancy of these art forms in the Middle East.

This Art Dubai programme will feature the special contribution of Bidoun through a series of curated video programmes in the Bidoun Lounge, designed by Traffic and the Khatt Foundation.

Art Dubai has collaborated with leading Middle Eastern non-profit organisations such as ArteEast and Art School Palestine on a series of video and film programmes and additionally the space features a film programme presented by Contemporary Practices and the Me series by Iranian artist Ghazel. Besides the exhibitions, the space promises to engage visitors of Art Dubai by hosting a several exciting performances.

Art Park Talks is an educational initiative that aims to provide a forum and platform for discussions, dialogue and exchange through a series of informal talks. Art Park Talks will address a range of relevant topics from live art to design and typography within the Middle East as well as engage the audience through interactive participation. These discussions will be held at the Bidoun Lounge, designed by Traffic and the Khatt Foundation.

Art Dubai aims to provide a platform for Performance art, a new media that is growing around the Middle East by introducing the debut of a diverse programme of Middle Eastern, British and Indian artists, Amongst others, there will be performances by Roula Haj Ismail (supported by Maya and Ramzy Rasamny), Kirstie Macleod (supported by British Council), Shilpa Gupta (supported by ArtAsiaPacific), Susan Hefuna, Rabih Mroué (supported by Bidoun) and Monali Meher (supported by Mondriaan Foundation).

Mapping Palestine, is an initiative of Art School Palestine which consists of three autonomous locations: a series of video programmes entitled Tamam, (Arabic for ‘everything is fine’) in the Art Park, the Art School Palestine Pavilion Akhir al Layl, (Arabic for ‘at the end of the night’), and lastly, a series of presentations by Palestinian art organisations. Together, they work synergistically to expose the harsh reality of occupation and dispossession.

The video series Tamam, featured In Art Park, questions whether life really can be normal in a state of occupation. Tamam will showcase the videowork of Khalil Rabah, Sharif Waked, Larissa Sansour, Mohanad Yaqubi amongst others.

Akhir al Layl (Arabic for ‘at the end of the night’), derived from a poem by the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish will feature a range of two-dimensional artworks by artists living and working in Palestine and the Diaspora. Participating artists include: Mona Hatoum, Sama Alshaibi, Yazan Khalili, Rula Halawani, Sharif Waked, Shuruq Harb Alexandra Handal, Ahlam Shibli, Jawad Al Malhi, Rauf Haj Yihya and Rana Bishara.

The third integral part of Mapping Palestine is a presentation of the Palestinian cultural landscape for which Palestinian art organisations such as A M Qattan Foundation, Palestinian Art Court Al Hoash and The International Academy of Art Palestine have been invited to present their work and activities, the challenges they face and their visions for the future.

For further information about the Art Dubai, participating galleries, art projects, events and the education programme visit www.artdubai.ae

Art Dubai is a subsidiary of the Dubai International Financial Centre and is held in partnership with Abraaj Capital. Madinat Jumeirah is the exclusive hotel partner for the event.

Art Dubai will also feature ‘The Art of Magical Jewels’, a museum quality exhibition, curated by Van Cleef & Arpels and a full schedule of Education events as part of the Deyaar Education Programme.

Contemparabia is a joint initiative of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH); Art Dubai; the Sharjah Biennial; and the Qatar Museums Authority. For details log on to www.contemparabia.com

START is the official CSR programme of Art Dubai. For more information, visit www.startworld.org