Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Group, is to preview the Middle East's first public art project to bring together commerce and the arts tonight.
He will view the 'Parade of Nations' a unique herd of two feet high fibreglass camels, painted to showcase the artistic tradition of individual participating countries. The parade, being supported by 20 countries, and is to be displayed at various high profile public locations throughout Dubai before being auctioned for charity.
The parade begins at the Emirates Towers Hotel where the 'herd' will be displayed dotted around before migrating to another location.
"The aim is to draw attention to the exciting Camel Caravan project and its charitable and community goals," said Ken Palmer, project director of Dubai-based ArtWorks, the driving force behind the initiative.
"Each camel will represent one of Dubai's neighbours or major trading partners. Twenty nations have already agreed to support the programme and we are confident others will sign up over the coming weeks."
Countries represented in the Parade of Nations include: Australia, India, Canada, Jordan, Holland, Germany, Iran, Iraq, New Zealand, Japan, Oman, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK and the US.
"From now until next March, Dubai will be on the world map like never before," added Palmer. "With Camel Caravan, talented artists, supported by generous sponsors, will transform the entire city into a wonderful outdoor art gallery."
Inspired by an exhibition of cows in Switzerland, the Camel Caravan is similar to public art projects in over 50 global cities, including Zurich, New York, London, Berlin, Chicago, Toronto and Sydney, that have featured painted, life-size fibre glass animals displayed in public venues.
Throughout Camel Caravan, local, regional and international artists will paint and embellish camel sculptures to create unique works of art. The diverse camel artworks will be displayed in a multitude of high profile locations around Dubai, including public parks, until the end of February.
A spectacular public auction will then be held with proceeds going to charity.
"Camel Caravan will help Dubai gain global recognition and community benefits through an innovative public art scheme that will enliven cultural activity, polish sponsors' images and increase business revenues," said Patricia Palmer, the project's art and community service director.
"We intend Camel Caravan to be the best event of its kind ever staged anywhere in the world. Dubai will lay down new standards of creativity and excellence and this event will become the model to which future projects will aspire."
Camel Caravan is supported by the Dubai Rotary Club and its patron Sheikh Ahmed, the Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Municipality and Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
Parade of Nations
The caravan is a unique herd of two feet high fibreglass camels which are painted to showcase the artistic tradition of individual participating countries.
Artists will be continuously embellishing the camels as it tours various locations until February.
A public auction will then be held and the proceeds will go to charity.
Art project aims to draw attention to the unique herd project and its charitable and community goals.
The countries that are participating in the Parade of Nations are Australia, India, Canada, Jordan, Holland, Germany, Iran, Iraq, New Zealand, Japan, Oman, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK and the US.
Gulf News
