Dubai’s vibrant art scene received a significant boost with the opening of the Dubai Canvas Festival at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). The festival, featuring renowned international and local street artists, transformed public spaces into an open-air museum, showcasing innovative 3D pavement art and promoting Dubai’s vision as a global hub for art and innovation.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Visits Dubai Canvas Festival
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited the Dubai Canvas Festival at JBR, accompanied by Crown Prince of Dubai Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The visit underscored the leadership’s commitment to fostering art and innovation within the emirate.
- Sheikh Mohammed emphasized art’s role as a bridge connecting nations, fostering understanding, tolerance, peace, coexistence, and harmony.
- He highlighted innovation as a prerequisite for excellence and creativity as fundamental to the nation’s future.
- Mona Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Media Office, briefed His Highness on the festival’s concept and objectives, aligning with the vision to transform Dubai into an open-air museum and a global center for innovation and art.
- Sheikh Mohammed toured the exhibits, admiring works by 3D pavement art pioneer Kurt Wenner and other international and Emirati artists.
- He directed the organization of more such creative events to enrich Dubai’s innovation environment and provide opportunities for young Emirati artists to interact with experts.
Festival Highlights and Participating Artists
The Dubai Canvas Festival, organized by Brand Dubai in partnership with JBR, features over 60 works by more than 30 artists from around the world. The festival aims to encourage active public engagement and interaction with art.
Key participating artists include:
- Kurt Wenner: Inventor of 3D street art, returning to create exclusive pieces.
- Neil Harbisson: The world’s first ‘cyborg artist’, composing music based on Dubai’s colors.
- Leon Keer: Dutch pop-surrealist artist.
- Odeith: Portuguese street artist.
- Fanakapan: London-based graffiti artist.
- Qi Xinghua: Chinese street artist.
- Eduardo Kobra: Brazilian street artist.
Public Engagement and Educational Opportunities
The festival offers numerous opportunities for the public to observe master street artists at work and interact with them. Sideline events include workshops led by international artists, providing insights into their techniques, materials, and creative approaches. These workshops cater to both advanced and basic street art skills, making art accessible to a wider audience.
The festival is free to attend and runs from March 1 to March 14, 2016. Weekday hours are 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and weekend hours are 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Sources:
- Mohammed visits Dubai Canvas Festival – News – Government, Emirates24|7.
- Dubai Canvas Festival opens today – News – Emirates, Emirates24|7.