Check out the magical light and art sculptures in the mangroves.

Abu Dhabi is home to some of the UAE’s most iconic cultural venues, from Louvre Abu Dhabi to Qasr Al Hosn. So, it comes as no surprise to see it flexing its art muscles once more, as The Department of Culture and Tourism has announced the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative.

The programme launched on 20 March, and culminates in November with the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. The initiative kicked off with the unveiling of WAVE, a two-dimensional installation that recreates three-dimensional waves. The installation debuted in Seoul, South Korea, and can now be found on the streets of Abu Dhabi. 

Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial is being led by Reem Fadda, Director of the Cultural Foundation and Abu Dhabi Cultural Programmes, and Galit Eilat, an independent curator. The pair plan to get the local community to engage with public art.

The mangroves will also be home to an exciting art project. Manar Abu Dhabi light art sculptures and installations will be situated in archipelagos and mangroves. Visitors will be transported across the waters, as the exhibition connects the shores of different islands. Not only will it be a chance to discover art, but also the lush landscape. 

The initiative will receive an investment of $35 million annually, and aims to support the creative industries. The programme also includes commissions across bridges, parks, roundabouts and tunnels. 

HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, explains: “Abu Dhabi’s public art enriches lives by bringing art to every member of the community, inspiring a sense of civic pride, and advancing the capital’s creative legacy. The emirate has a proud tradition of public art, which we are now elevating with our ambitious Public Art Abu Dhabi initiatives.

“These will foster creativity, placemaking and cultural infrastructure and ensure that public art is integral to our emirate’s cultural identity, liveability, and attractiveness to visitors. DCT Abu Dhabi’s promise is to promote, protect and progress the emirate and transform Abu Dhabi into a global centre for culture.”

Paint the town.

GO: Visit https://abudhabiculture.ae for more information.