3rd Dubai Canvas Festival draws to close after a week of outstanding 3D art

The third edition of Dubai Canvas Festival successfully concluded following a week-long exhibition of scintillating 3D art created by some of the world’s most innovative exponents of the art form.

The public 3D art festival was organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with Meraas, one of Dubai’s leading holding companies,

The event saw 25 of the world’s top 3D artists, shortlisted for the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award, and four Emirati artists sharing their artistic interpretation of the theme of Happiness.

Director of Brand Dubai Maitha Buhumaid said that the Festival’s theme of happiness was inspired by the UAE’s own focus on people’s happiness as one of its most important goals. The theme also reflects Dubai’s drive to become a city of happy, creative and empowered people and a preferred place for people from across the world to live, work and visit. She noted that Dubai Canvas has not only become a prominent event in the local cultural calendar but also has made a strong mark on the global art map.

She extended her gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the Festival’s third edition including Meraas and the Cultural Office of HH Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which organised art workshops on the sidelines of the event. She also thanked the organising team and the volunteers who contributed to the running of the Festival.

Buhumaid also expressed her thanks to all the partners who contributed to the event including the Festival’s media partner Arabian Radio Network, artistic partner National Paints, and advertising partner Hills Advertising.
 
Ayesha bin Kalli, Project Manager at Brand Dubai, said that the organising committee was keen to see the Festival taking art closer to the local community. She said the workshops organised at the Festival presented a rare opportunity for members of the public to learn from some of the world’s most accomplished 3D artists and local art organisations. She thanked Art Dubai, Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, Maraya Art Centre, The Mine, Soul Art Center, Street Art News and Wisdom Art Centre for conducting workshops at the event. Bin Kalli also thanked The Fridge, Freshly Ground Sounds, Mr. White Studio and Parkour for the entertainment shows they presented at the Festival.

Dubai Canvas 2017 saw the launch of the first Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award, which attracted a total of 122 entries from 35 countries. Artists who submitted proposals for the Award represented almost 80% of the global community of 3D artists. 

The winners of the Award were announced at a ceremony at the Festival. Italian artist Tony Cuboliquido was named the first place winner while Russian artist Danila Shmelev and Dutch artist Leon Keer were named the second and third place winners respectively. Japanese artist Tomotero Saito won the People’s Choice Award, which was decided based on public votes.