Brand Dubai launches Choose Your Spot initiative

The initiative adds a new dimension to the city’s cultural and artistic scene so as to enhance its image as a business and financial global hub.

Dubai: Following its efforts to introduce more art works in Dubai pursuant to the directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to convert Dubai into an open art gallery, Brand Dubai, an initiative launched by the Government of Dubai Media Office, launched “Choose Your Spot”, a new initiative aiming to encourage young artists to select convenient locations in Dubai for their creative artworks.

Initiating from Brand Dubai’s beliefs that artists themselves are the most capable to select most suitable locations for their artwork, Brand Dubai will coordinate such projects with public and private entities in the emirate.

“Choose Your Spot” initiative was launched during a meeting hosted by Brand Dubai, in Madinat Jumeirah, and attracted 30 young artists. The artists expressed their interest to participate in this initiative hoping to add new dimension to the city’s cultural and artistic scene so as to enhance its image as a business and financial global hub, and further highlights the emirate’s innovative aspects.

The meeting also discussed directives of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, to Brand Dubai’s team during his visit to the headquarters of the Government of Dubai Media Office in October 2014 to immediately implement the first phase of projects carried out by Brand Dubai and abide by the timeline specified for completing these projects set out by Brand Dubai in order to emphasis Dubai’s rich experience in development and innovation.

Commenting on the event, Director of Communication and Innovation in the Government of Dubai Media Office Noora Al Abbar said: “After His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched “Dubai Speaks to You”, Brand Dubai team developed innovative ideas, and these ideas were commenced on ground, therefore, we are keen to sustain communication with artists to discuss latest development and listen to their creative ideas.”

Al Abbar added: “Many outstanding projects had been completed over the past few months. We started with the Union House hoarding to the parking in Emaar Boulevard and the Global Village. The next phase will witness cooperation with major real-estate developers, public and private entities and artists.”

The meeting further discussed future projects and suggested sites for Brand Dubai’s flagship “Dubai Speaks to You”. The participating artists were also briefed on the work strategy, timeframes and concepts. During the meeting, the artists presented their proposals; meanwhile they also selected the locations to host their artworks.

From their side, the participating artists expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the government’s support which reflects deep understanding to the value of art in enriching people’s life and catalysing innovation and creativity.

• UAE