The 12th Edition of Art Dubai Opens Yesterday

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the 12^th edition of Art Dubai – the fair’s most globally diverse to date – opens its doors to the public yesterday. Art Dubai 2018 welcoming a variety of exhibitors from all over the world and premier a new gallery section, alongside a wealth of programming and talks around art and beyond.

Reaffirming its position as a leading international art fair and the preeminent place to discover art from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, Art Dubai 2018 features 105 galleries from 48 countries across its Contemporary and Modern halls as well as its new section Residents bring art to the halls of the Madinat Jumeirah that aim to stimulate all senses through visual, audio and tactile experiences.

Highlights of this year’s programming include the unveiling of Lawrence Abu Hamdan’s winning commission for the 10^th edition of the Abraaj Group Art Prize and Khaleeji artist collective GCC turning Art Dubai’s The Room into a TV studio in Good Morning GCC.

Alongside gallery halls and exhibitions, Art Dubai will feature a comprehensive talks programme: the 12^th edition of the Global Art Forum entitled “I AM NOT A ROBOT “that will explore the highly topical theme of automation; as well as the second edition of Art Dubai’s Modern Symposium, which addresses the lives and cultural impact of 20^th century masters from the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

Although Art Dubai began life as a trade fair for collectors and galleries, it has long since morphed into an essential highlight on any culture vulture’s annual calendar.

Children’s workshops, book launches and after-hours parties also fill up the calendar. And don’t forget the interactive installation titled The Room – which, this year, is put together by an art collective called GCC and takes the form of a mock TV studio that explores the tropes of daytime talk shows commonly featured on TV stations across the Arab world.