Contemporary art exhibition reflects Arab world changes

Abu Dhabi, UAE 10th March 2010 – Saadiyat Island, the natural island being developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), is gearing up to host ArtscapeMadina, an inspirational contemporary art exhibition, in its Manarat Al Saadiyat visitor's centre on March 20, 2010.

This exclusive preview, organised by TDIC, the master developer of cultural, residential and tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi, reflects on the significant changes in the Arab world during the 20th and 21st centuries. Using a wide variety of contemporary art forms to demonstrate a common theme, ranging from photography and calligraphy to performance art and installations, the interactive exhibition will welcome audience to take part in this thrilling experience which runs from 6-10pm.

“By taking the audience on a historical tour of the region through a contemporary artistic journey, ArtscapeMadina intends to evoke emotion and reflection of the various Arab city's aesthetical models. This contemporary art exhibition is a live experience that will be based on a new interpretation of references linked to the glorious history of Arab cities and a celebration of their urban experiences and their cultural identity,” said Rita Aoun Abdo, Director of TDIC's Cultural Department.

ArtscapeMadina will also be celebrating the final days of the exhibition Disorientation II: The Rise and Fall of Arab Cities, currently running at Manarat Al Saadiyat.  Complementing the theme of Disorientation II, Artscape Madina is set up to bring together regional and international artists to share their individual perceptions on the evolution of Arab cities.

Prominent photographers Tarek Al Ghossein and Stephen Shore present their explorations of the region and Abu Dhabi, while UAE calligrapher Mohammad Mandi will partner with his Chinese contemporary Haji Noor Deen to combine their two calligraphic traditions and produce live demonstration of their work. A traditional Arabic storyteller (hakawati) and a DJ/band will further build on the theme as they guide the audience through the evening.

Enriching the experience, Artscape will include two workshops on March 19th and 20th from 11am to 4pm. This comprises a calligraphy workshop hosted by Mandi and Noor Deen and a multi-media and collage workshop run by artist Jawad Al Malhi, which explores the relationship between individuals and their relationship within the city.

Artscape is part of TDIC's ongoing Cultural Department's public programme designed to support art and culture in the UAE. This is an integral part of Abu Dhabi's aim to turn the emirate into a world-class cultural hub; hence TDIC's development of Saadiyat' Island's museums - the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum – which will be open to the public in 2013.

Artscape is part of a series of artistic initiatives translating the mission and concept of Saadiyat Island's cultural institutions. Similar events previously organised by TDIC included Artscape Picasso and Artscape Emarati Expressions.

About Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC): Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) is a master developer of key cultural, residential and tourism destinations in Abu Dhabi. The principal goal of its cultural programme, up to and including the creation of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District – the world's largest single concentration of premier cultural institutions – is to establish an international platform in the UAE for arts and culture.? ?

Unprecedented in scale and scope, the Saadiyat Island Cultural District will include museums such as the Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum, all due for completion in 2012/2013. Education is essential to fulfilling TDIC's mission, and this initiative provides opportunities for the local and regional community to participate in programming of the highest quality and to be engaged in the city's urban, cultural and artistic development, while enabling Emiratis and UAE residents to develop professional skills and knowledge through a dialogue with representatives from the world's leading cultural organizations.

Alongside the Cultural District project, TDIC presents a diversified programme of art exhibitions, events and talks aimed at all levels to further engage audiences in the arts.

For more information visit www.artsabudhabi.ae; www.tdic.ae