Art Dubai 2016: Grandest Edition Yet

Each year in March Art Dubai presents a select, yet diverse line-up of approximately 90 galleries from the UAE and around the world. The event contains across three programs: Contemporary/Modern, devoted to masters from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia and Marker, a curated section of art-spaces that focuses on a particular theme or geography.

Art Dubai 2016’s annual showcase of art in the city presents 94 galleries from 40 countries and represents over 500 exhibiting artists and 70 nationalities, with countries like Georgia, Ghana, Lithuania, Palestine and Sri Lanka making their debut at the cultural event.

Art Dubai 2016 is being held at Madinat Jumeirah from March 16-19, 2016. Entry is Dh50 (one-day pass), Dh80 (three-day pass). Entry is free for children under 18 years and university students (with student ID).

Dubai Art Week (Art Dubai) and Design Days Dubai have a tremendous economic impact in the UAE, typically generating over $35 million during the seven days that it is held. Repucom, an independent research body, noted that Dubai Art Week 2015 boasted 25,000 visits, with a total of 15,625 unique attendees. Of those unique visits, 51% lived outside of Dubai. Between the two events, over 6,000 sales of art and design works took place.

Alongside the gallery halls, Art Dubai’s extensive not-for-profit program includes a dynamic roster of commissioned projects, film and radio programs; artists’ and curators’ residencies; educational initiatives for children through to professionals, including the year-round art school Campus Art Dubai; an annual exhibition of works by winners of The Abraaj Group Art Prize; and the critically-acclaimed Global Art Forum.

Over the last nine years, Art Dubai has become a cornerstone of the region’s fast-growing contemporary arts community. Recognised as one of the most globalised meeting points in the art world today, Art Dubai places an emphasis on maintaining its intimate, human scale while foregrounding quality and diversity.

Art Dubai is held in partnership with The Abraaj Group and is sponsored by Julius Baer and Piaget. Madinat Jumeirah is home to the event. The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is a strategic partner of Art Dubai and, along with Dubai Design District (d3), supports the fair’s year-round education program.