$400m artparis exhibition set to consolidate Abu Dhabi's position in the global art market

With the proliferation of artistic, cultural and educational centers in the nation's capital, the upcoming modern and contemporary art fair will be one of the most important events of its kind in the UAE, and the region.

artparis-AbuDhabi is being organised in partnership with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) and Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).

In the words of His Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH): "artparis-AbuDhabi is an important component of our wider cultural and economic developments in Abu Dhabi, which also include the Cultural District of Saadiyat Island and its museums, art academies, art centres and creative industry clusters. Through these initiatives, we aim to bring culture and the arts closer to education and public life and to position creativity as an active driver in our human, economic and industrial development."

"We chose to have an art fair in Abu Dhabi because it naturally links the artistic and financial sectors in a mutually beneficial alliance, thus bringing the synergy that we wish for between culture and economy, and between human and urban development," he added.

artparis-AbuDhabi aims to provide artists in the Arab world with a unique opportunity to initiate and develop ties with important players from the international art sector, and to energize the Middle Eastern art market and cultural industries through a dedicated program of events and activities including exhibitions, networking events, educational workshops and courses and special tours of local art galleries and art and culture institutions.

"artparis-AbuDhabi aims to create an atmosphere of cultural understanding and a meeting and exchange place for artists and art lovers," said Caroline Clough-Lacoste, the fair Director. "The fair is a significant milestone for the UAE art community because it is an excellent opportunity to expose their artists to an international audience. Their art works will be on sale and are expected to draw in a large audience of enthusiasts and art lovers from the region."

With over 700 artists participating at artparis-AbuDhabi and 47 galleries, from 17 different countries, including Asia and MEA, the range of modern and contemporary art is as wide as it is diverse. While painting is the dominant form on display, photography and sculpture will be also be exhibited to emphasize the varying trends in art over the last century.

The special program developed around the art fair aims to foster local knowledge about, and sensitivity and appreciation for the visual arts.

Special Programme of related events

Paris-Sorbonne-Abu Dhabi Conference

Paris-Sorbonne-Abu Dhabi University in conjunction with artparis-AbuDhabi, will present a conference by Serge Lemoine, Director of Paris' Musee d'Orsay, about the history of modern and contemporary art.

Sotheby's Institute of Art Course

Sotheby's Institute of Art - London will present a three-day intensive course including subjects such as: Modern and Contemporary art history, collecting art and investing in art. Aligned with Art Paris-Abu Dhabi, the course offers special lectures, panel discussions with guided visits to the Fair by experts in the field, gallery directors, dealers and leading institutions. In addition to focusing on modern and contemporary art, the participants will gain a strong foundation in researching and analysing the art market.

"Art red and Blue" Exhibition

The Gmurzynska Gallery from Zurich will exhibit a monumental sculpture by Robert Indiana entitled "Art red and Blue" at the entrance hall of the Emirates Palace constituting one of the powerful elements of the art fair.

"Signs and Calligraphy" Exhibition

In parallel with the fair, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage will present an exhibition, organised by Lebanese art specialist Amal Traboulsi, showcasing artists from the Arab world. The exhibition will focus on the theme of "Signs and Calligraphy", which are particular to traditional forms of art that have emerged from the Middle East and North Africa.

Calligraphy has long been associated with the Islamic world and is an esthetical representation of religious expression, holding meaning in a unique artistic genre. The Director General of ADACH, Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, said: "Through this exhibition, we aim to give homage to the artists of the classical calligraphy tradition and to showcase the work of others, who practice a more modern form of calligraphy and who experiment with its form while still relating to the long standing tradition that they descend from."

Pleyel Pianos Performances and Exhibition

Another highlight of ArtParis-Abu Dhabi will be an exhibition of the latest creations of Pleyel pianos. Pleyel is the sole manufacturer of pianos in France and the oldest in the world.
For the past two years, Pleyel has participated in the artparis exhibition in Paris. The company has thus had the privilege of being amongst the select few who inaugurated the Grand Palais, even installing a Café Pleyel there last March. This year, Pleyel pianos will follow artparis to Abu Dhabi, where they will play at the Blue Lounge of the Emirates Palace.