Proclaimed an official international day by UNESCO in 2019, World Art Day takes place every year on April 15 (a symbolic date chosen to honour the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci).
Dedicated to showcasing the joys of art, encouraging creativity and highlighting the contributions that artists make to society across the globe, there are loads of wonderful ways that you can spend this special day in the UAE.
From photography exhibitions to DIY painting sessions and coworking with other creatives, below are some ideas to get you started.
Respected UAE-based art collectors Fairouz and Jean-Paul Villain have loaned an amazing array of exciting works to Saadiyat Island’s only private art foundation, and there’s no better time to go and check them out for yourself than World Art Day. Spread across the main gallery, Reflections: Modern and Contemporary Art from the Villain Collection features artists from Syria, Lebanon, North Africa and the UAE, and it beautifully showcases the depth and diversity of the region’s thriving art scene. Entry is completely free.
Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Visit: bassamfreihaartfoundation
Located in the arty area of Al Quoz, CASSETTE has long been one of Dubai’s coolest cafes. Dedicated to art, music, design and of course delicious food, it has also recently established itself as a coworking hub, offering free wi-fi, water, a friendly ambiance and plenty of opportunities to connect and collaborate with other free spirits and creatives. There’s no obligation to purchase either, although we doubt you’ll be able to resist ordering at least one of their exceptionally delicious coffees.
Al Quoz, Dubai.
Visit: cassettedxb
At the centre of Abu Dhabi’s art scene since 2009, Manarat Al Saadiyat was the first institution to open inside the Saadiyat Cultural District, and it always has some kind of cool art workshop or class going on. The drop-in ceramics classes are a particularly awesome way to spend World Art Day, offering two hours of crafting for a very reasonable AED 50 per person. Including all the clay, tools and materials you need, books and other resources are provided for inspiration, and there are four different daily slots to choose from. Don’t forget to pass by the onsite Mediterranean restaurant Taparelle for a sensational meal or bite on your way out either.
AED 50 (pre-booking required), Saadiyat Island.
Visit: manaratalsaadiyat.ae
Drawn from the Sharjah Art Foundation Collection, Image Keepers explores the sociopolitical terrain of the last six decades through the power of photography. Focused on the processes of modernisation and decolonisation, you’ll find impactful portraits on the lower floor, plus many other incredible works that touch on the topics of conflict, transnational migration, and deconstructed historical monuments. With Zineb Sedira’s photography archive of the same name at the centre, the entire collection is a meaningful tribute to fearless artistic practices from across the world.
Until April 26. Photography Gallery, Al Manakh, Sharjah.
Visit: sharjahart.org
It’s been a strange couple of weeks here in the Middle East, and we’re sure that many of you have been turning to art as a coping mechanism. Thankfully, pretty cafe and art studio Therapie in Abu Dhabi’s up-and-coming Mina Zayed is always there whenever you feel the need to ‘paint it out’. The perfect place to spend world art day, the DIY painting sessions include high-quality canvases, paints, brushes, aprons and materials, and you’re bound to make many new like-minded new friends as you get to work creating. There’s no need to worry about booking either. Walk-ins are welcome, and you’re guaranteed to walk away feeling calm, relaxed and stress free.
From AED 145 (sessions are 2-3 hours max).
Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi.
Visit: therapie.ae
The pain of having an absent homeland, exile, memory and what it means to have an identity are some of the key themes in the recently launched Elusive Territories group exhibition at Zawyeh Gallery Dubai. Featuring the talents of 15 notable Palestinian artists, it pieces together fragments of Palestine, featuring bold paintings, calligraphy, abstraction and more diverse practices that all leave a lasting and powerful impression.
Until June 30. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Visit: zawyeh.net
