- AS THE NEXT PRESENTATION IN ABU DHABI’S TALKING ART PROGRAMME
As part of its ongoing
Talking Art programme, created in conjunction with the landmark
Emirati Expressions exhibition of contemporary art from the United Arab Emirates, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is pleased to join with New York University (NYU) to present a panel discussion on Monday, 16 March 2009, on the topic of
NYU Abu Dhabi and the Visual Arts in the UAE.
Taking place at 7pm in Gallery One of Emirates Palace, where
Emirati Expressions is on view, the programme will present a group of distinguished scholars and arts professionals who will introduce NYU Abu Dhabi''s plans for the arts, the role of the university art gallery, and the wide range of possible collaborations with the Saadiyat Island Cultural District museums, art galleries, and artists of the UAE now and in the future.
“Education is at the very centre of our project to create the Saadiyat Island Cultural District,” said His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC. “Through this presentation in the
Talking Art series, we hope to advance that goal by opening a dialogue between our public and one of Abu Dhabi’s most important educational and cultural partners, NYU Abu Dhabi.”
Moderating the panel discussion will be Mariët Westermann, who serves as Vice Chancellor for Regional Campus Development, NYU Abu Dhabi, and is the Paulette Goddard Professor of Fine Arts at NYU. Joining Professor Westermann as panellists will be Hilary Ballon, University Professor and Professor of Urban Studies and Architecture at NYU, who serves as Associate Vice Chancellor of NYU Abu Dhabi; Lynn Gumpert, Director of The Grey Art Gallery at NYU; and multi-media artist Kevin McCoy, Professor of Art and Art Professions at NYU. Following the discussion with the audience, the panellists will welcome the opportunity to engage in informal conversations in the
Emirati Expressions exhibition.
“We are very pleased to be co-hosting our inaugural event with TDIC. We know that this will be the first of many incredible collaborations with TDIC and our future neighbors on Saadiyat Island, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, The Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum,”said Mariët Westermann. “In New York, NYU has long been fortunate to enjoy close proximity to some of the world¹s finest museums, yielding a trove of opportunities for educational and creative partnerships. Upon completion, the Saadiyat Island Cultural District will offer NYU Abu Dhabi those same phenomenal opportunities.”
NYU Abu Dhabi is developing a full research university campus on Saadiyat Island, in advantageous proximity to the Cultural District with its Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, and creative art spaces. The arts will play a vital role at NYU Abu Dhabi through a strong and diverse curriculum and major public programming. On the model of NYU''s vigorous relationship to the art scene in New York City, NYU Abu Dhabi will seek active integration with the growing arts community on Saadiyat Island, in Abu Dhabi, the UAE, and the broader Middle East.
"Exhibitions serve as powerful reminders of the importance of the visual arts. As we begin the planning process for our NYU Abu Dhabi gallery, we look forward to learning more about the rich and varied art forms in Abu Dhabi and to the opportunity to collaborate on focused and in-depth projects with the artists, museums, and galleries of the UAE, " said Lynn Gumpert.
Presented under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,
Emirati Expressions features approximately 165 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, videos, and installations by UAE artists. The exhibition, curated by Anne Baldassari, Director of the Musée National Picasso in Paris, is open through 16 April 2009 in Gallery One of Emirates Palace.
The
Talking Art programmes are free of charge and are offered in both English and Arabic. All events take place within the
Emirati Expressions exhibition, Gallery One, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Prior booking is recommended for the public, as space may be limited. For reservations, please call +971 2 6908206 or visit the exhibition to reserve a place.
