Zayed University's showCACE opens at Dubai Design District

DUBAI,10th May, 2017 (WAM) showCACE: senior exhibition Dubai, an exhibition of Zayed Universitys College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) student works, opened at Building 6 at Dubai Design District (d3). The exhibition features a display of animation design, graphic design, interior design, and visual arts by 40 students.

showCACE runs from 9 to 12 May 2017 from 7pm to 10pm. CACE projects are the outcome of strong research, creative and innovative thinking, problem solving, and rigorous critique sessions. Senior students have collaborated with industry experts and faculty members at Zayed University to bring their work to a professional platform.

The exhibition covers a variety of subjects related to community development, design for social change, culture, and the overall future of the UAE. Graphic and interior design students have focused on ideas that highlight social impact and entrepreneurial spirit, while animation design and visual arts students have explored their own creative voice.

The opening ceremony drew the participation of Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance and President of Zayed University, Professor Reyadh Al Mehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, COO of Dubai Design District, Dr Marilyn Roberts, Provost of Zayed University, and Ann-Maree Reaney, Dean of CACE. Faculty and staff members of the University, as well as several public figures, academics and artists were also in attendance.

Touring the exhibition, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi praised the work of the students, who have mastered new unconventional tools and techniques such as laser to produce true masterpieces.

She said: "Since its establishment, Zayed University has continued to supply the labour market with high-calibre driven, passionate and ambitious graduates. With their talents, innovation and capabilities, our graduates are set to become major players in the nations economic progress and prosperity, and harmoniously blend their continued learnings with their aspirations and young vivid vision."For his part, Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi said: "Once again, we are delighted to hold the Zayed University graduate show here at d3. Building on the success of last years exhibition, we are proud to see such a wealth of talent emerge from our countrys educational institutions. d3 plays a pivotal role in supporting this young talent through hosting events such as this one as well as providing students with opportunities to network with businesses in the design industry to enable their talent to be recognised and grow."Ann-Maree Reaney said: "CACE graduates have demonstrated their exceptional level of ability and achievement by winning many awards, including the Gulf Capital ADMAF Creativity Award, Christo Award, the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award, the Salama Bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship program, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authoritys Qasr Al Hosn Cultural District Mosque Competition. Our intensive and rigorous art, design, new media, and exhibition programmes are practice-based and industry-engaged. The critical and professional guidance of the faculty at CACE, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and an innovative learning environment, inspires a new generation of creative thinkers and builds a vibrant art and design community in the UAE." She added: "This year, CACE students and alumni have been fortunate to work with innovative educational partners such as ADMAF, Alserkal Avenue, d3, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Warehouse 421, Techshop Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Housing, Vision Factory Abu Dhabi, GSM Project MENA for Dubai Culture, and Dubai Municipality.

They have gathered exhibition research on cultural heritage for the Shindagha Museum District Phase 1, collaborated with the Petroleum Institute in a multidisciplinary partnership on designing and constructing a 100% operational sustainable house, and participated in the Solar Decathlon Middle East 2018. Our most recent partnership with Urban Art Projects (UAP), a global company with offices in Brisbane, Shanghai, and New York, and satellite teams in Singapore, Melbourne, and the Middle East, comprised curating and constructing public art projects, such as the significant UAE Memorial in Abu Dhabi. We look forward to working with UAP to develop culturally collaborative public art and design projects in the UAE and the wider Middle East."Renowned Dutch artist and exhibition curator Walter Willems has worked with Zayed University faculty and students across Abu Dhabi and Dubai to help CACE build a dynamic connection with the art and design industry. This years exhibition has expanded its scope to highlight some of the links between the University and the community.