Passion for art common thread between Swiss, UAE

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 Passion for art common thread between Swiss, UAE
Andreas Denstorf’s multidimensional photoart titled Marina Skyline

Swiss Art Gate UAE promotes a mutual understanding between Switzerland and the UAE through a cultural exchange

By Purva Grover

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Published: Fri 27 Jan 2017, 6:42 PM

Last updated: Fri 27 Jan 2017, 8:50 PM

“You can see many art galleries in Dubai and a few in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as well. Similarly, in Switzerland you will find galleries in Zurich, Basel, Bern, Geneva, and Lausanne — and some even in small villages. Both the countries are ambitious with their art museum approach," says Kurt Blum, general manager, Swiss Art Gate UAE. In a conversation with him, we discover that passion for art is a common thread between the people of the two countries.
Swiss Art Gate UAE promotes a mutual understanding between Switzerland and the UAE through a cultural exchange, which includes activities like events and exhibitions with local, regional and international artists. They represent more than 50 local, regional and international artists, and have a network of more than 250 artists around the world.
"In both the countries, you can find home grown artists, art professionals, art institutions, galleries, and art initiatives. Switzerland may have started earlier from a historical and cultural background, but the UAE is definitely a place where art is developing in a fast pace.” He notes that Sharjah has a contemporary art museum and many other museums, like the calligraphy museum or the culture and heritage museum. “Their art programs are always of a high professional standard. Abu Dhabi will open the Louvre soon, in co-operation with the Louvre Paris, and it will definitely shape the art scene of the region, and attract more art-related institutions.”
"In Switzerland, you can see governmental initiatives as well as private initiatives, like Beyeler Foundation in Basel and Paul Klee Museum in Bern. The same system you can find in the UAE, the government initiatives and the private initiatives."
Together with Emirates Palace and the German photographer, Andreas Denstorf, they are currently hosting “Flamboyant Impressions”, a photo exhibition of the artist’s new works. On until 4 March 2017.
To know more: swissartgateuae.com
— As told to Purva Grover

Kurt Blum, General Manager, Swiss Art Gate UAE
Kurt Blum, General Manager, Swiss Art Gate UAE

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