The Authority to host the British Contemporary Design Exhibition at Design Days Dubai, a Key Event of Dubai Art Season 2017

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 February 2017:  In support of the UK-UAE Year of Creative Collaboration, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated entity for culture, arts and heritage, announced that it is hosting an exhibition of British contemporary design as part of the 2017 edition of Design Days Dubai — the region’s leading collectible design fair. 

The ‘Britain Takes Shape’ exhibition is part of a series of initiatives being activated in 2017 to mark the Year of Creative Collaboration between the UAE and UK. Under the co-patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HRH The Prince of Wales, the Year of Creative Collaboration aims to encourage collaboration and cooperation with government entities and the private sector – in the UAE, the region, and internationally. Dubai Culture is playing a key role in supporting this important initiative between the two countries. 

The exhibition is part of Dubai Culture’s strategic partnership with Design Days Dubai, which is an important pillar event of Dubai Art Season - the umbrella arts initiative of the city, which rolls out a rich calendar of city-wide activations of art across the city, interactive installations, workshops, exhibitions and live performances, amongst others.

The two-month Dubai Art Season is a definitive initiative that aims to highlight the city's global credentials in the arts scene, and brings together artists from around the world for an unmatched celebration of talent, creativity, innovation and cultural diversity.

His Excellency Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General of Dubai Culture, said: “The themes of the UK-UAE Year of Creative Collaboration of inclusion, community and next generation are aligned with UAE leadership vision and direction that aim to promote cultural exchange and innovation. In this context, ‘Britain Takes Shape’ will serve as part of our diverse cultural and artistic programme which strengthens existing relationships and creates new ones between people, institutions and businesses to further establish the UAE as a thriving cultural destination, attract international talent, resources and visitors.” 

Curated by Suzanne Trocmé, award-winning furniture designer, author, curator and educator, ‘Britain Takes Shape’ will feature the work of 10 pioneers of British design. All of the designs on display have been produced in the UK as one-off pieces or in batch production and are shown for the first time in the UAE. Running alongside the exhibition will be a series of talks and workshops hosted by the British-based designers, giving unparalleled access to UAE audiences.

Trocmé, who has selected British designers and objects who possess a distinct and original design vocabulary, said: “Britain has a long-standing relationship with creativity and many design pioneers choose to work and live there in the creative hub that shares a sense of community. Spirited and gifted, the creators of the pieces gathered for ‘Britain Takes Shape’, whether British by birth or by adoption or by choice, are all pioneers in very different ways — some invigorating old industries, others pushing processes in the name of design advancement. All pieces show individuality and the mark of the designer’s hand, whether in the design process or in physical construction. ‘Britain Takes Shape’ offers a thoughtful journey into the minds of creators who are not afraid to push boundaries'.

As part of its vision to be a platform of diverse cultural exchange and innovation, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has a number of cultural collaboration initiatives underway that aim to strengthen cultural relations on an international and regional level.  By showcasing Dubai’s vibrant creative scene to international audiences, the Authority is focused on initiatives in research, commissions, events and advocacy in order to drive cultural and creative collaboration.

The mandate of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is to serve as the dedicated government entity for culture, arts, and heritage in the Emirate of Dubai, and to drive the growth of the city’s artistic and cultural landscape.