Calligraphy works at Art Dubai.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Art Dubai, a leading international art fair spotlighting the Middle East and Global South, has opened its 17th edition. To run March 1 – 3 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai (with previews happening February 28 and 29) the fair welcomes over 120 Contemporary, Modern and Digital gallery presentations – over 65 per cent of which are drawn from the Global South.

Art Dubai Executive Director Benedetta Ghione said that “through a unique and independent model, Art Dubai continues to rethink and reframe the role an art fair can play in supporting the growth of a creative economy, building capacity and creating opportunities for artists and creatives through partnerships and collaboration.

In doing so, it is crucial that we remain connected to our place and continue to reflect the spirit of innovation found in this unique city and the diverse communities that call Dubai home.”

Art Dubai 2024 Gallery Section illuminates leading artists and galleries from across the Global South and the fair provides a critical platform for art from often under-represented regions and communities.

  Visitors enjoying the art.

This year’s lineup of galleries features the largest complement to date of Dubai-based exhibitors; it also underlines the growth of Dubai as a commercial art centre. Art Dubai Digital, now in its third year, is curated by duo Alfredo Cramerotti and Auronda Scalera and foregrounds the artists, collectives, institutions and platforms who continue to push the boundaries of art and tech, from the early pioneers of blockchain art, to artists working at the cutting edge of robotics, AI, VR, XR and other advanced technologies.

Art Dubai Modern is curated by Dr. Christianna Bonin and highlights forces that gave rise to today’s Global South. The presentation – titled This Other World – examines the extensive cultural exchanges between the Soviet Union and the Arab, African and South Asian countries that took place after the Second World War, revealing the shared experiences of artists from places as seemingly distant as Uganda, Syria, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, who were invited to study in Soviet metropoles such as Tashkent, Kyiv, Almaty and Moscow.

  An installation view of artworks.

Art Dubai’s Bawwaba - meaning gateway in Arabic – section features 10 solo presentations of new artwork. Curated by Emiliano Valdes, it explores the notion of Sanacion – or healing - and features artists from South America, the Middle East and South Asia. Each artist has a social art practice that explores notions of community and belonging, and art as a catalyst for transformation. Art Dubai Commissions programme includes a series of newly commissioned performances and interventions that takes place throughout the fair.

Art Dubai’s Artistic Director Pablo del Val said that “…we invite visitors to explore the breadth and depth of our programme – from top-class contemporary galleries to museum-quality presentations in Art Dubai Modern to the artists who are breaking new ground in their use of cutting-edge technologies in Art Dubai Digital.” Other highlights include the Global Art Forum, which explores the relationship between extreme weather and extreme change; the second edition of the Art Business Conference Dubai, the leading platform to discuss key challenges facing the global art market and the inaugural Digital Summit at Art Dubai, convening experts from a range of disciplines to examine the growth of and opportunities for, Dubai’s digital art economy.

To support the next generation of creatives and cultural leaders, Art Dubai has an education programme, including Campus Art Dubai, which is now in its 11th year. It provides graduates with hands on, practical training and professional development opportunities in the cultural sector. This year is also marks the largest edition to date of the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme which has grown to become the UAE’s largest cultural education initiative. It has been developed by Indian artist Sahil Naik and has been launched at Art Dubai before expanding to reach more than 15,000 students in over 100 government, private and special educational needs schools across the seven Emirates.

  Focusing on a painting at Art Dubai.

Art Dubai showcases the newly commissioned piece Heart Space, a major new digital artwork by multidisciplinary artist Krista Kim, commissioned by Julius Baer. Further highlights include a display from Dubai Collection, the first institutional collection for the city of Dubai which, though a loan system, makes works of art from individual and corporate art collections accessible to the public. Curated by Alia Zaal Lootah, Encounters presents 24 artworks in a cross-generational show of Emirati artists, many of which are on display to the Dubai public for the first time. Across the city, Dubai’s galleries, museums and cultural institutions present a programme of solo and group exhibitions for Art Dubai Week and Dubai Art Season.

Highlights include the unveiling of Union of Artists, commissioned by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Art Dubai, Sikka Art and Design Festival and exhibitions at Alserkal Avenue. Art Dubai is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The event is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding and is sponsored by Swiss Wealth Management Group Julius Baer. Art Dubai’s high jewellery and watch partner is Piaget and culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA is a partner of Art Dubai. The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the strategic partner and Madinat Jumeirah is the home of Art Dubai.