DIFC Gulf Art Fair to offer an exclusive three- day education programme designed and delivered by Sotheby's Institute of Art

Notes and media contacts

DIFC Gulf Art Fair 8 -10 March 2007
Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah - The Arabian Resort,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The London office for the DIFC Gulf Art Fair is located at 37 Albemarle Street, London W1S 4JG;
T: +44 (0)20 7499 6427

Sotheby's Institute of Art with centres in London, New York and Singapore, is a private limited company with around 250 students a year studying and researching into subjects in art history and preparing students for careers in the international art world (started in 1969). Formerly a part of Sotheby's auction house, the Institute always aimed to bring a true understanding of fine and decorative arts to a global audience, thereby enhancing individual appreciation and understanding of an essential part of civilisation. No less than a hundred people working at Sotheby's have taken a course at one of the Institutes, either in London or New York. The essence of the Institute's teaching approach is to work directly with the art object so that students can develop a discerning and critical eye. This is a key differentiator in the Institute's educational approach. This "hands-on" philosophy means that students learn through actual first-hand examination of works of art, design and craftsmanship in the galleries and museums of each city and in private collections. The close examination at first hand of works of art is the cornerstone of Sotheby's Institute of Art's approach to teaching - whether at postgraduate or undergraduate level. For further information, please visit: www.sothebysinstitute.com

Biography, John Martin, DIFC Gulf Art Fair Director

John Martin opened his gallery in the West End of London in 1992 dealing with contemporary British and Irish art. He has organised nearly 200 exhibitions both in Britain and the U.S during the last 14 years, published over 100 books and catalogues and produced three films. In 1999 he helped establish ARTLONDON with Ralph Ward-Jackson, and continues to sit on the advisory committee for the event. Television appearances include 'Heist' (Channel 4) and ITN. He is a member of the Society of London Art Dealers and for four years chaired a committee of The Art Fund.

Opening times: Wednesday 7th March (by invitation only); Thursday 8th March 7-11pm; Friday 9th and Saturday 10th March 1-7pm

Press Preview: Wednesday 7th March 5.30-7.00 pm.

Details on START can be found at www.almadadfoundation.org. Contact: Anthony Dawton
Tel: +44 207 3701966

For further information on Quintessentially please visit www.quintessentially.com

Want to learn about art and don't know where to begin? Want to visit every hot spot in town, but have cold feet? Grab a ticket on Jam Jar's Art Bus and get an education. The hop-on-hop-off luxury bus will ply around important art destinations, and with the Art Map in hand, you can act as knowledgeable as they come. Visit the galleries, DIFC's installations and take in a dozen exhibitions and chat up the tour guides. For further information and a timetable please consult the information desk in the foyer to the Madinat Arena during the fair

Art Projects will be on view for the duration of the DIFC Gulf Art Fair 2007. Visitors are allowed to visit the beach area until 7.00pm each day and the DIFC building until 11pm.

An extension to the Art Project installations will be the Bloomberg Bidoun Lounge for the duration of the DIFC Gulf Art Fair. An hour and a half programme of video work focussing on artists from the Middle East is being coordinated by Bidoun Magazine, The Third Line and the DIFC Gulf Art Fair.