Sat 26-11-2022 00:14
ABU DHABI, 25th November, 2022 (WAM) — UAE Africa Connect participated in the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2022 at Manarat Saadiyat. Launched in October by The Diplomacy Lab, the initiative has engaged with artists and galleries participating in the art fair who come to or represent Africa. Inspired by the positive and enduring bilateral relationship between the UAE and Sub-Saharan Africa, UAE Africa Connect was present in the community and social space to share information on the platform and develop and raise awareness of upcoming activations and opportunities.
Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, said, “The UAE Africa Connect initiative at Abu Dhabi Art was significant, highlighting the possibilities for greater cultural collaboration between the Gulf and Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference, held alongside their exhibition space, brought together two prominent galleries, Nigeria’s Kó Gallery and Uganda’s Afriart Gallery, alongside All Africa festival founder Nina Olatoke and was moderated by curator Munira Al Sayegh. The discussion following the panel and the key topics raised set the stage for future cooperation that we all look forward to.
Farshied Jabarkhyl, Head of the Diplomacy Lab, said: “The UAE is uniquely positioned to establish this platform as it places tremendous importance on the power of cultural collaboration, and specifically what can be achieved through cultural diplomacy. With a particular focus on art, these platforms can create powerful and impactful channels for cooperation and growth between countries.
The work of UAE Africa Connect will be carried out through initiatives in the form of sessions of intercultural dialogue, research, empowerment, investment and youth engagement, all with the aim of highlighting and reinforce the rich cultural histories of these nations and the positive impact of working with the creative economy.
Tariq Al Faham