Art and culture reach out to the community

As part of this programme, TDIC and the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) have joined together to offer a series of Islamic craft workshops, these are for adults only, are free of charge and run until March 10th, 2008.

'The primary benefit of hosting an exhibition like this is the impact that it has on the community. It is impossible to look at the beautiful illustrations in the 16th century AD 'Houghton' Shahnaman from Persia and the delicate metalwork in a 14th century AD Mamluk bowl and not want to know more,'

'We are proud that the programme we have created with ADACH gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the techniques involved, the history and the culture that gave birth to such exquisite objects.' Said Dr Charles Mereweather, Deputy Director, Cultural District

The workshops developed by ADACH and TDIC, will take place at Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation, they are being lead by gifted masters in traditional crafts including calligraphy, Persian painting, and ceramics.

From noon to 3 pm, every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday until 10 March, UAE artist and calligrapher Mohammed Mandi will lead an Arabic calligraphy workshop at The Art Workshop of the Cultural Foundation. Mandi, an apprentice of the renowned calligrapher Sayed Ibrahim, will include information on the principles of Islamic calligraphy, a demonstration of various techniques and give participants the opportunity to try their skills at this traditional Islamic art form.

Persian painting will be the subject of Sharareh Salehi's presentations, which are scheduled for weekdays until 6 March at the Cultural Foundation's Baynouna Hall. The Tehran-born artist and poet is an expert on Persian painting and will speak about different styles, techniques, and perspectives as seen in ancient Persian painting. Her two hour sessions, which begin at 11 am and will be conducted in English, will include the screening of a documentary film about Persian painting, Iranian Miniatures, directed by Alireza Qassemkhan.

Maher Al Samarai, a celebrated ceramics artist, will lead a five hour workshop focusing on the importance of ceramics in the history of Islamic art. For one week only, from 4 - 10 March, participants will learn from Al Samarai the history and magic of ceramics while watching his ceramic-making demonstrations. During the session, which will be held at The Art Workshop of the Cultural Foundation and start at 10 am, participants will have the chance to try their hand using specialised equipment.

'After the success of the one-day symposium about Islamic art that took place on the 23rd January, it is evident that people are hungry for information about the history and cultural traditions of Islam', 'We immediately began planning further talks and a panel discussion about the contemporary position of Islamic arts in the world, with international specialists from the fields of history, archaeology, art, and the art market amongst others, this will be held on April 8th, 2008 at Emirates Palace. Furthermore, we collaborated with ADACH to offer more targeted opportunities for those with a special interest in hands-on traditional craft-making.' Dr Charles Mereweather, Deputy Director, Cultural District

Visiting the 'The Arts of Islam' exhibition at Emirates Palace

Guided tours for individuals and groups and mini-lectures relevant to various aspects of the exhibition are available by appointment every day, with special programmes for ladies only on Tuesdays from 10 am - 4 pm.

The exhibition reading room is also open on a daily basis, with reading and computer-based resource material suitable for children and adults. The room also includes materials for teachers who might like to introduce the various themes of the exhibition and other dimensions of Islamic history to their pupils during their visit to the exhibition.