Fourth edition of Dubai Canvas opens at La Mer

The fourth edition of Dubai Canvas, a public art festival organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), opened on Thursday.

Organised by Brand Dubai in partnership with Meraas, Dubai Canvas 2018 will run till 7 March 2018 at La Mer, Meraas’ beachfront destination.

Public spaces at La Mer, the venue of the Festival, have been transformed into ‘open-air canvases’ for over 30 artists from around the world to display their stunning artworks.

Dubai Canvas features a broad array of global artists, including the stars of the 3D art world. Apart from 3D art, the Festival features a range of art forms including graffiti spaghetti, object art, inflatable art and tape art.

This year’s Festival continues to support talented young Emirati artists. This support is part of Brand Dubai’s objective of giving national youth a platform to showcase their talent, and enhance their involvement in the local art scene.

International and local artists as well as UAE-based art organisations are holding free workshops that teach art skills to the general public on the sidelines of the Festival.

The free workshops are part of Brand Dubai’s efforts to take art closer to the local community as well as help artists connect with the public. The events also support the organisers’ larger aim of inspiring innovation, creativity and artistic excellence in Dubai.

Project Manager of Dubai Canvas Ayesha bin Kalli said: “The workshops form part of our objective of helping the artists and the public connect with each other in an organic way. These workshops, which impart basic and advanced art skills, also present a rare opportunity for members of the public to interact with and learn from some of the world’s leading street artists. The workshops will inspire both adults and children to enhance their talent and skills, whatever level they are at.”

Sally Yacoub, Chief Malls Officer at Meraas, said: “Our partnership with ‘Brand Dubai’ is in line with our direction to support unique experiences that enable our visitors to dedicate more time to what they love. By hosting ‘Dubai Canvas’ at ‘La Mer’, we aim to make to bring this annual festival closer to our community and present an engaging artistic event that appeals to all . The workshops that are happening at ‘La Mer’ during this year’s edition of ‘Dubai Canvas’ will take this approach one step further.”

Leading global artists including Leon Keer, Tracy Lee Stum, Cuboliquido and Mr. Doodle will explain their distinctive artistic styles and approaches in their workshops. Jamie Harkins will be presenting a unique workshop on creating 3D sand art every morning of the event from 6.00 am - 8.00 am. Tape Over’s workshops will give the public opportunities to learn techniques for creating art with sticking tape. Local artists like Aysha Al Hemrani, Mahra Al Falahi, Asma Al Khoori and Fatma Al Ali are also among the artists conducting workshops.

UAE-based art organisations including Soul Art Centre, Neon Structure, Maraya Art Centre, Medaf Studio, Yadawei Ceramics Studio, Na7t Design, Oli Oli, Shoebox and The Mine will conduct workshops for adults and children. 1971 Design Space and Hibr Design will team up together to conduct a workshop on calligraphy art techniques. Participation in all the workshops is on a first-come first-serve basis.

The Festival also features a variety of entertainment shows including musical performances.

Dubai Canvas is free to attend for the public. To view the schedule of workshops and other activities at Dubai Canvas, please visit www.dubaicanvas.ae.

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