Sheikha Manal Art Exchange programme establishes culture of dialogue in Hong Kong

Last week, a delegation of young Emirati women artists participating in the Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Programme returned to Dubai following a successful visit to Hong Kong as part of an enriching art initiative, centred on the acclaimed Art Basel Fair. 10 students pursuing careers in art, design and architecture from universities across the Emirates made the trip organised by Mona bin Kalli, Director of the Cultural Office and Khalid Shafar, respected U.A.E. artist, as well as members from the Cultural Office Organising Committee. The programme was sponsored by Emirates Airlines. The visit marked the third edition of this ambitious Exchange Programme - founded by H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs as a significant initiative designed to foster genuine understanding, respect and appreciation between diverse cultures. Over the course of the 7-day excursion, the students experienced not only the Art Basel Fair, but also some of the most prominent art establishments in Hong Kong such as the Osage Gallery, HK Museum of Art, Savannah School of Art & Design (SCAD), Hong Kong Design Institute, HK Museum of History, Asia Art Archive and Sam Tung UK Museum where they were able to interact with an international art community fostering dialogue and an exchange of ideas. Commenting on the occasion, Mona bin Kalli, Director of the Cultural Office of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said, "This program stems from Her Highness's unwavering belief in of the critical role that education plays in the development of the arts. Our hope from this initiative is to boost the participants' skills and academic knowledge as well as cultural diversity by creating their own experiences and memories within the parameters of an international thriving contemporary art scene." The Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Programme will culminate with the hosting of a special art exhibition allowing the participants to showcase works of art inspired by their collective creative experience in Hong Kong. The exhibition is scheduled for October 2014. The AEP students were Mira Almazrooei, Architecture, American University of Sharjah, Mitha Altamimi, Multimedia Design & IT, Zayed University Abu Dhabi, Ameena Al Ali, Visual Art, Zayed University Dubai, Amna bin Thaneya, Architecture, American University in Dubai, Sara Bastaki, Architecture, American University in Dubai, Aysha Alkhoori, Architecture, United Arab Emirates University, Sawsan Al Qasimi, Visual Communication, American University of Sharjah, Amal Al Ali, Visual Art, New York University Abu Dhabi, Mariam Albinali, Graphic Design, Zayed University Abu Dhabi and Marieh Sharaf, Architecture, American University in Dubai. First launched in 2008, The Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Programme is one of several art initiatives that reinforces the vision of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance and develop the talents of U.A.E. women by providing Emirati female artists with the opportunity to experience art at an international level, while also fostering a culture of understanding and awareness about the Middle Eastern art and culture scene. Through initiatives such as these, the Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Programme seeks to encourage and highlight the role of U.A.E. women in art and open new vistas for talented young women through strategic partnerships with globally renowned art and academic institutions. – Emirates News Agency, WAM