DUBAI’S PREMIER ART FAIR MAKES ART ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Four-day art fair offers new opportunities for aspiring collectors to connect with affordable works of art by more than 150 artists and galleries

Global art sales valued at USD45 billion with half of all affordable art transactions concluded below the USD1,200 mark 

Dubai, UAE, April 13, 2017: His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Information, officially opened the third season of World Art Dubai, the region’s premier platform for affordable and accessible art, at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today. 

Running until Saturday, 15 April, World Art Dubai 2017 features an impressive collection of more than 3,000 paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs starting at just USD100. The event’s price-consciousness is designed to ensure it remains both accessible and affordable to everyone from new buyers and seasoned art connoisseurs to the simply curious. 

More than 35 international galleries representing 120 emerging and established talents are exhibiting at the event, with country pavilions from Europe, Japan, Ukraine and the USA. World Art Dubai is also shining a light on the culture and heritage of Arabia with Exhibition Islam – a dedicated focus area featuring a number of different artists either from, or with roots in, the Middle East.  

One the event’s opening day, a VIP Japanese Cultural Evening saw scores of Dubai’s elite and influential art aficionados preview this year’s works of art while enjoying canapés and refreshments.

Other opening day highlights included a seven-minute Speed Painting activation with deaf and mute artist, Victor Sitali, participating at the event with Mawaheb from Beautiful People, a Dubai-based art studio for adults with special needs. Zambian-born Sitali will also hold sign language teaching workshops as part of World Art Dubai’s education The Talks initiative. 

Running until April 15, tomorrow’s schedule of talks in The Blah Blah Lounge include dedicated sessions by a host of industry insiders, artists and curators. Stephen Megson, a former teacher and Head of Art at Dubai’s Rashid School For Boys will discuss ‘The Fear – how to remove the fear of buying art by understanding how to buy’, while US artist Nina Torres will educate visitors on ’30 Centuries in Latin American Art’. 

Other features running throughout the fair include calligraphy sessions and The Art Of…workshops, headlined by The Art Of…Make-up with Lancôme, while The Ripe Craft Market is open daily on Friday and Saturday with dozens of local exhibitors displaying everything from kitsch lifestyle gifts, arts, crafts and furniture to unique fashion and jewellery finds. 

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC, said: “Now in its third year, World Art continues to grow and exceed our expectations. The third season has attracted creative talents from around the world and that’s reflected in the diverse audiences here appreciating it. From its inception, we have worked to position World Art Dubai as a truly affordable art fair that underlines our belief that art should be accessible to everyone.”

Part of Dubai Art Season, World Art Dubai is hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Entry to the fair is Dhs20 on the day and can be purchased onsite at the welcome desks, or Dhs15 for a daily pass if purchased online in advance. Children of 16 years and under are admitted free of charge upon showing a valid student ID.