Dubai's Art Week officially kicks off on March 13, two days ahead of its main event, Art Dubai, which will shine a light on art from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Araeen Milaap at Art Dubai © Courtesy of Araeen Milaap
In its 11th edition, Art Dubai is to feature more than 90 galleries from 40-plus countries in 2017, including 25 attending for the first time. In addition to contemporary galleries, its Art Dubai Modern platform will showcase museum quality works by Middle Eastern, African and South Asian modern masters.
Giorgo Persano at Art Dubai © Courtesy of Araeen Milaap
The event features an extensive list of additional programs, including Commissions, which invites artists to develop dynamic, site-specific works for the fairgrounds and will this year feature a series of performances; the Global Art Forum, which will this year gather great minds across disciplines to discuss the trade of goods and ideas; and an exhibition of the winner and shortlist of the Abraaj Group Art Prize.
Moustafa Al Hallaj © Courtesy of Araeen Milaap
Art Dubai runs March 15-18 and serves as the anchor for Art Week in Dubai, a celebration of art, design and culture that this year runs March 13-18. During that city-wide event, Dubai's art scene will be on display via a series of events, including Sikka Art Fair and Design Days Dubai.
Still from "76 Minutes and 15 Seconds," 2016, with Abbas Kiarostami © Courtesy of Araeen Milaap
In its seventh edition, the Sikka fair's highlights will this year include "The connection maze" by street artist Tarsila Schubert, consisting of figures painted on the walls of an alley in Al Fahidi and inviting visitors to add their Polaroids; "Sugarliscous3000" by Satwa 3000, a five-senses experience for kids and adults; and "The Happiness Space," held in an Al Fahidi courtyard and offering a series of well-being activities.
Among the many venues marking Art Week will be those of the arts and culture district Alserkal Avenue, whose Art Week program starts March 10. That program includes a Galleries Night on March 13 during which the Avenue's contemporary art galleries and creative organizations will open their latest exhibitions, plus pop-up projects, workshops, and curator- and artist-led tours.
Untitled by Widjan, 1977 © Courtesy of Araeen Milaap
A pop-up dinner series by the private dining space Inked Dubai running March 13-18 will take inspiration from Salvador Dalí's cookbook "Les Diners de Gala." Presented in collaboration with Christian Louboutin and others, it promises "a dreamlike journey into Salvador Dalí's universe." The space will likewise be open to the public during the day as part of the Alserkal Avenue program.
Information about Art Dubai can be found at www.artdubai.ae. Find out more about Art Week at www.artweek.ae.