Catalyzing regional art - Art Dubai 2012

Text: Salwat Ali

Photography: Courtesy Art Dubai

 United Arab Emirates quantum leap forward in the world of international art surely begins with Art Dubai. Formerly indifferent to the dynamics of art the region is now evolving into a successful hub of contemporary art courtesy the environment created by Art Dubai. Ever since its inauguration in 2006 as an annual art fair Art Dubai has always tried to strike a balance between its commercial priorities and its academic necessities. In a short span of six years it has not just emerged as a platform for international art but has visibly demonstrated its ability to catalyze regional art and channel it in the right direction.

Current director Antonia Carver reiterates that “Art Dubai is firmly rooted in the Middle East yet is a progressively global cultural platform. Going forward, we’ll be developing ongoing initiatives, such as the Arabic Art Glossary being developed by Lara Khaldi, announced during this year’s Global Art Forum, in addition to year-round artists’ and curator-in-residence programmes and educational seminars. We hope these institutional elements will act as further catalysts, contributing to the arts and cultural infrastructure of the UAE and the wider region”.

With 75 galleries from 32 countries showcasing over 500 international artists, Art Dubai 2012 sported the usual flamboyance, extravagance and opulence characteristic of Dubai, but beneath the glitz its roster of programs aimed at building the essential foundational elements that will ground the arts in the region. The fair this year was an anchor event within Art Week which expanded to include a range of art and design events across the Gulf. The magnitude was ostensible from the various programs — art talks, forums, exhibitions and performances. The fair attendees’ presence (over 22,000 this year) is a much-needed reaffirmation for Dubai’s ego.