Abu Dhabi hosting series of events for art education

ABU DHABI // Painters, animators and historians will help to educate the community about art through a series of interactive events called Artscape. The events, which are hosted by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (Adach) and the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), include hands-on sessions in the studio and lectures and live performances.

The first, a four-hour evening dedicated to Picasso, will take place tonight at the Cultural Foundation. Picasso was chosen as the theme for the first event following the recent exhibition of the Spanish artist's work at the Emirates Palace hotel. "Artscape Picasso is part of TDIC's ongoing cultural programme aimed at fostering the enjoyment and understanding of art and at developing new audiences," said Mahita el Bacha Urieta, the public programming manager for the TDIC's cultural department.

"It is an informal event for a diverse crowd. We expect many people to attend." The evening would be about encouraging people to learn more about art and becoming involved in the growing cultural scene, said Sharareh Salehi, the project manager for Adach. "We want people to have hands-on experience, we want them to know what it is like to be in an art studio," he said. "Not necessarily to encourage them to be artists, but just to be more aware of art in general.

"Tonight, there will be lectures about Picasso and slide shows of his work, but the main thing for us is that people come and take part. We want them to have fun and to create something of their own." As well as an exhibition of Picasso's work and a talk by Martin Giesen, a UAE-based artist and professor of art history, people will be welcomed into the studio to experiment with paints and other mediums.

Elwin Buchel, an artist based in the capital, said events of this kind were very important. "Abu Dhabi is rapidly developing its international reputation for art and culture and the Picasso evening is just the beginning," he said. "It is important to make the public aware of the contribution artists make towards the community and of its other benefits. "Art reduces stress and gives energy to those involved. It is another way to express oneself and, therefore, it is important that Adach and the TDIC are investing time and money into this project."

Refreshments will include tapas, and Spanish music will be played, while there will be performances by Ferenc Cako, a sand animator, and Kamal Musallam and his acoustic Latin jazz band. The event is free and takes place between 7pm and 10pm. Visit www.artsabudhabi.com for more information. aseaman@thenational.ae