Are you keeping up with the local art scene?

A lot's been happening around town in terms of new spaces, special guests and awards

Winter is equal to the arts, and the art scene in the UAE has been buzzing with multiple shows, competitions, innovations and festivals. By now, you must have already admired the creative art on the parking meters, blocked your calendar for SIKKA 2020 (March), and be waiting for Tashkeel's group exhibition (Plastic). Let's run through a few highlights from the last few weeks.

Do we need the space?
When DUCTAC shut shop in 2016, many of us were disheartened, performers and audiences alike. The good news is that the venue, which has three performing spaces, opened its door last month. "When the opportunity came up for Art For All to re-open The Theatre, Mall of The Emirates, we jumped at the chance. We are so excited at the prospect of breathing life back into the community theatre scene in Dubai," said Rania Ashur, founder, Art For All. The catch here is that the new lease is temporary, and will be held for a few months to gauge how much Dubai communities require the space. People, gear up and show them how much we do. Drop by to attend their forthcoming shows including The Fig Tree (today), Divas by Jahida Wehbe (Feb 29) Breakin Dance Convention (March), and more.

A world without single-use plastic
The results for Tashkeel's open call for artists and designers to explore the theme of plastic was announced. UAE-based talent explored the various aspects of life suffocated by plastic to imagining a world of alternates. The selected works will be on display at their studio in Nad Al Sheba, beginning March 3. Plus, they'll be inspiring talks, workshops and tours to attend. Drop by to be part of discussions that can effect change.

Hollywood was in town
When we took the stage as part of Short +Sweet Sharjah Theatre at the recently-concluded Sharjah Fringe Festival, little did we know that in the judge's seat was Hollywood actor and author Alexander Folk. We were in awe of him as he spoke, "All of my work has been in films and commericals, but this really wants me to go back to theatre." Folk has 80 plus films to his credit and has been acting for more than 50 years. "Do something that you love and you'll not have to work a single day of your life," he advised.

And the award goes to.
The Clyde & Co MENA Art Award announced its winners for 2020 at a glittering ceremony, encouraging emerging talent in the visual arts. They offer an opportunity to local artists to showcase their works in the Clyde & Co Dubai office's corridors for up to a year! "The MENA Art Award initiative aims to encourage local artistic talent, to engage our staff and clients and to foster communication between the artist and corporate community," says Sara Khoja, Employment Partner, Dubai Office. 'Split' by artist Samina Islam won the Clyde & Co Art Prize. Samina's needlework on inkjet on canvas was based on the psychological condition, dissociative identity disorder (previously known as multiple personality disorder).
purva@khaleejtimes.com