FRIENDS OF ABU DHABI ART

YOUR CITY, YOUR ART

Launched in 2021, the Friends of Abu Dhabi Art is made up of individuals who are actively committed to supporting art and culture in the emirate.

WELCOME TO THE FRIENDS OF ABU DHABI ART
MEMBERS SPACE

Each year, Friends of Abu Dhabi Art commissions new artworks by UAE-based artists. Aiming to contribute to the local art ecosystem, this initiative enables the production of new work by both emerging and established artists.

In 2021, Friends of Abu Dhabi Art commissioned work from the three emerging UAE-based artists – Hashel Al Lamki, Maitha Abdalla and Christopher Benton – who participated in that year’s Beyond: Emerging Artists, the guest curators for which were Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath.

In 2022, the Friends of Abu Dhabi Art initiative continued to support the 2021 commissioned artists by attending Abu Dhabi Art: Beyond Emerging Artists in Venice.

The group will continue its support of the local art scene by commissioning new artists for Abu Dhabi Art’s 2023 fair, whose works will be exhibited at the fair and in a new international destination.

All art enthusiasts who are looking to actively support artists and the art ecosystem in the UAE, please contact us to join Friends of Abu Dhabi Art via this email address:

"The Friends of Abu Dhabi Art Members are ready to support the UAE art eco-system through this new platform and to play a part in enabling emerging artists from the UAE to develop their work and reach new audiences. We have all joined because of a commitment to supporting art in the UAE and we look forward to ensuring the wider community is engaged and connected to the thriving local art scene."

Nadine Maalouf, Co-Head of Friends of Abu Dhabi Art and Co-Founder of 81 Designs

“The Friends of Abu Dhabi Art is not limited to financial support. It is an endeavor to encourage independent activity by community members for the benefit of the local art eco-system. There is a need for the art and culture sector globally to find sustainable ways to recover and become more adaptable in a post-pandemic era. The club will play a significant role in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s art ecosystem, as well as provide a platform for funding, knowledge exchange, and networking initiatives for the different players in the sector.”

Nadia Sehweil, Co-Head of Friends of Abu Dhabi Art and CEO of Bodytree Wellness