Funky exhibitions, big-name artists, free workshops… Abu Dhabi Festival is making sure art lovers have plenty to experience this month. One of the event’s highlights will be an exhibition titled ‘From Barcelona to Abu Dhabi’ that features the MACBA collection – one of Europe’s most significant – along with works by 20 Emirati artists. Here’s what visitors can expect…
Abu Dhabi Festival puts art in focus
Running until March 17, the visual arts exhibition will be packed with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Not sure where to start? Here are 3 reasons why Abu Dhabi Festival should be on your bucket list right now…
1. Explore creative art collections
What’s on: It’s not often that you get a chance to view one of Europe’s most important collections right here in the UAE, so don’t miss the MACBA exhibition featuring the most pioneering works of the 20th and 21st centuries – exhibited for the first time in the Arab world. It’s your last chance to explore nine decades of works by 72 artists, with a special focus on 20 of the UAE’s most promising homegrown talents… so don’t miss it!
Location: Gallery A, Manarat Al Saadiyat
Date: Running until Saturday, 17 March. Daily tours from 11am-12pm | 2pm-3pm | 3pm-4pm.
Tickets: Free entry
2. Meet with creative minds
What’s on: Come down for a fascinating panel discussion titled ‘Collecting Contemporary Art – Public vs. Private in Europe and the Middle East’, hosted by Barcelona-based art critic Montse Badia and Emirati collector and founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi (pictured). The event will shed light on collectors in the region, while also providing budding art connoisseurs the chance to learn from the leading experts.
Location: Auditorium, Manarat Al Saadiyat
Date: Friday, 9 March, 6pm-7:30pm
Tickets: Free admission; online registration required
3. Enjoy family-friendly exhibitions
What’s on: Get the children involved in a range of cool activities with Express Art!, an interactive programme designed for kids and adults. Little ones can investigate an art box crammed with cool objects inspired by the MACBA collection, while adults can join an exhibition trail highlighting 90 years of works from modern and contemporary art history.
Location: Gallery A, Manarat Al Saadiyat
Date: March 6, March 9, March 13, and March 16
Tickets: Free entry
For more details and bookings, visit www.abudhabifestival.ae
Sponsored content