Souq Al Bastakiya and thejamjar Team Up to Provide Authentic Learning Experience in Art and Culture

Professionally-Trained Staff to Conduct Special Sessions for All Age Groups

Dubai: 14 January, 2009 - Dubai Event Management Corporation (DEMC), which seeks to position the emirate as a unique cultural hub on the regional and international level, today announced the weekly Souq Al Bastakiya has partnered with thejamjar, an arts organization, to offer an exceptional outdoor art and culture learning experience through weekly knowledge-based workshops.

To be organized concurrently with the activities of the weekly street market from January 2009 as part of Al Bastakiya's community programme, trained professionals and artists will host the workshops targeting all age groups from six years and above. Set in a courtyard, some categories covering art forms and techniques will be exclusively designated for adults and parents while some sessions will focus on cartoon drawing, clay masks making, and mural art and others.

Mustafa Al Hashimi, Project Director of Al Bastakiya, said: "The workshops are part of Souq Al Bastakiya's community programme that seeks to enhance the experience of visitors through workshops, performance and knowledge exchange. The partnership with thejamjar reflects our keenness to optimally involve the visitors in art and cultural activities."

thejamjar offers the unique urban DIY painting studio and art gallery, where individuals and groups can indulge in a unique art experience while creatively expressing themselves with unlimited acrylic paint on canvas, regardless of age, experience or profession.

Hetal Pawani, Director of thejamjar, said: "We are proud to partner with Souq Al Bastakiya as we believe we have a common mandate to offer visitors a comprehensive and hands-on knowledge-filled experience. The workshops will be open for all and will provide fresh insight into the world of art and culture.

"No pre-registration is required for these introductory workshops as seats will be allotted on a first-come first-served basis. We are confident the ambience of the weekly market will encourage visitors to participate in our fun-laced creative programmes in larger numbers."

Further information on the programme is available at 04-3217114/ 04-3417303 or www.souqalbastakiya.com.

Launched on 20 December, 2008, Souq Al Bastakiya is open every Saturday from 10.00am until sunset featuring more than 50 vendors, musical performances and activities throughout the day. Local culture is well represented with henna stands, Arabic inspired coffee shops and authentic ethnic cuisine, offering residents and tourists a true regional experience. The weekly street market aims to give visitors an opportunity to discover the heritage and richness of old Dubai.

Al Bastakiya aims to emerge as a cultural destination, featuring a specialized arts and cultural centre to host events, festivals and activities.

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ABOUT DUBAI EVENT MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Dubai Event Management Corporation; established by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in March 2008; was mandated to create, manage and organize live events in the fields of sports, arts & culture, exhibitions, conferences and entertainment in the region; as well as establishing the standards for these events in the emirate, specifically with sports and conferences.

Launched by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the President of Dubai Event Management Corporation, it will introduce major new initiatives and strike international alliances with sports and cultural organizations, while working towards attracting conferences and exhibitions to the emirate. In addition, it will also develop and own unique international events in diverse industries.

The Dubai Event Management Corporation will seek to build credibility as a calendar and event management institution in Dubai and around the world. It will target the international markets while setting new benchmarks, as well as identifying and facilitating new key events with widespread public appeal. In addition to acting as a sports and cultural events owner, the corporation will also be an effective service provider for large-scale events.

For further information:
Agency:
Maya El Hachem
Jiwin Public Relations
Phone: +971 4 369 2925
Email: maya.elhachem@Jiwin.ae

Ghaith Nazzal
Jiwin Public Relations
Phone: +971 4 369 2926
Email: ghaith.nazzal@Jiwin.ae