Major initiative launched to encourage art awareness among GCC women

As leaders in the development for fine art and antiques in the region, the Haughtons will launch this initiative to encourage knowledge of and interest in art among women across the Middle East.

"There has been an increased interest in world class art and antiques from women across the GCC," said Anna Haughton, of Haughton International Fairs.

"At our launch fair we saw a strong demand for high end antiques and knowledge from local and expat women."

Through their partnership with Dubai Ladies Club, the Haughtons hope to expand and encourage the demand for art and antiques in the region.

"There is definitely a growing sophistication in the demand for quality art and antiques among women in the UAE and surrounding regions," commented Ms. Muna Bin Kaalli, General Manager of Dubai Ladies Club.

"We are seeing increasing number of artists and art patrons emerge from the female demography. We anticipate strong support for this initiative and believe the 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' fair will offer an ideal platform to develop this awareness."

Key partners for 'Art Antiques Design Dubai', the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, has taken several initiatives to encourage the growth of art and culture and have strongly supported this initiative.

Set to showcase artworks from different eras, collecting categories expected at 'Art Antiques Design Dubai' will include Islamic works of art; silver; antique and modern jewellery; a broad range of furniture and decorative arts; and fine art, including Middle Eastern, Orientalist and European paintings, drawings, and sculpture.

International art dealers will team up with specialists from the Middle East and India, according to Emma Jane Haughton, event co-director.

Art critics have credited the Haughtons with an ability to encourage higher levels of art sophistication in burgeoning markets. Likewise leading international dealers recognise the Haughtons' capability to further art advancement.

Many dealers have already re-confirmed their participation in the 2009 fair.

"We are happy to welcome back many exhibitors who participated at the inaugural fair with many of them acknowledging that women formed their key clientele at the inaugural fair," finished Haughton.