Emirati women delegation arrives in Switzerland to attend Art Basel exhibition

The Emirati women are accompanied by UAE official delegation that includes Mona Bin Kalli, Project Manager; Nazneen R. Shafi, Arts and Culture Director and Strategy Development; Maryam Al Ghurair, Art Executive, Sarah Ayoub Agha, Art Supervisor, Dr. Najat Makki, and Professor Jassim Al Awadhi, Programme Facilitators.

During their visit to Switzerland from 3rd to 11th of June, the Emirati students will attend the opening of the 'Dubai the 21 Century' exhibition in the Vitra Design Museum on 4 June.

Apart from attending the Art Basel exhibition, the students will also gain an opportunity to visit several other museums including the Kunst Museum. They will also attend workshops at the Art Institution, the Artist Studio in Landes Museum, and the Zurich Opera House, where they will watch a production by Fedilio. The visit will provide the young Emiratis with insights into Zurich's historic architecture and culture.

Mona Bin Kalli, Art Exchange Programme Project Manager, said: "We have included a variety of programmes in our visit to Switzerland, some of which will include visits to several galleries and museums. Besides enriching the students' experience, their participation in such world-class events will provide a good representation of the UAE to the international world."

Professor René Pulfer, an artist and Professor of Art at the Academy of Art and Design, University of Applied Science Northwestern Switzerland said: "This event will offer an ideal chance to establish a better understanding of our cultural identities. In studying the development of our cultural heritages through the centuries, I strongly believe there are more similarities than one might think. Knowledge of history allows for deeper synergy between both sides.

"The workshop in Basel is oriented towards providing insights on the history of art, new concepts of architecture, as well as contemporary thinking models. I am looking forward to an interesting exchange."

The Swiss visit comes as the first part of the Art Exchange Programme, which pursues a long time commitment to promoting artistic and cultural ties between the UAE and the world. Underscoring the role of the UAE woman in art, it aims to open new vistas for Emirati girl students, enabling them to experience contemporary art of international calibre.