Dubai, May 18th, 2008 (WAM): A delegation of young Emirati art students will attend Art Basel, the world renowned international art show in Switzerland. The participation comes within the framework of of newly launched 'Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Program'.
Wife of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, HH Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women?s Establishment (DWE), last week unveiled the unique 'Art Exchange Program', meant to enhance the creative landscape in the UAE and build stronger ties between women artists in the MENA region and the rest of the world. The exhibition, to be held from 4-8 June in Basel, Switzerland, will include the highest-quality paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photography and video. The UAE delegation will be in Switzerland from 3-11 June and participate in a two-day workshop with fellow students from art schools based in Switzerland to exchange creative experiences. Marc Spiegler, Director of Strategy and Development at Art Basel, said; 'We welcome HH Sheikha Manal's educational initiative, and are happy that Art Basel's exhibitions will be a part of their experience. We hope it will prove to be the beginning of a fruitful cross-cultural dialogue between Swiss and Emarati students.'Recognised as the world's premier international art show for modern and contemporary works, Art Basel features nearly 300 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. More than 2,000 artists, ranging from the great masters of modern art to the latest generation of emerging stars, are represented in the show's multiple sections. In Switzerland, the UAE students will also visit important museums and historical sites on a guided tour. Upon returning to the UAE, the participants will be expected to create a tangible work of art inspired by their collective experience of this educational and intellectually stimulating trip. The Swiss visit, the first part of the program's long-term commitment to fostering artistic and cultural ties between the UAE and the world, will allow the participants to experience contemporary art of international calibre. Muna Bin Kally, Art Exchange Program Project Manager, said: 'HH Sheikha Manal's initiative aims to provide young Emirati woman artists with a wider understanding of the international art landscape, as part of her efforts to increase women's involvement in art and culture. 'Women in the UAE have already proved their extraordinary capabilities in the political and business fields. Now they are keen to expand their horizon to include art, while pioneering cultural dialogue between the country and the rest of the world.'Known as the 'City of Museums', Basel is widely recognized for its museums, outdoor sculptures, theatres, concert halls, idyllic medieval old town and new buildings by leading architects, given its historical significance.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.
