UAE Africa Connect participated in the Abu Dhabi Art Fair 2022 in Manarat Saadiyat, which explored the possibility of greater cultural cooperation between the Gulf and Sub-Saharan Africa.
The UAE Africa Connect initiative at the Abu Dhabi Art Initiative, started in October by The Diplomacy Lab, connected with artists and galleries present at the art fair who are from or represent Africa.
To spread knowledge about the platform and raise awareness of upcoming events and opportunities, UAE Africa Connect maintained a presence in the community and social hub arenas.
The UAE Africa Connect program at Abu Dhabi Art was significant, showcasing opportunities for further cultural cooperation between the Gulf and Sub-Saharan Africa, according to Dyala Nusseibeh, director of Abu Dhabi Art. Two significant galleries, Kó Gallery from Nigeria and Afriart Gallery from Uganda, and All Africa Festival creator Nina Olatoke, participated in the discussion, which was held concurrently with their exhibition space and was chaired by curator Munira Al Sayegh.
The panel’s discussion, which included the critical issues, “laid the road for future cooperation, to which we all look forward.”
Head of the Diplomacy Lab, Farshied Jabarkyl, said, “The UAE is in a unique position to create this platform because it values the potential of cross-cultural cooperation and, more specifically, the results that can be obtained via cultural diplomacy. These forums, which have an emphasis on the arts, can provide effective and significant international channels for collaboration and development.”
UAE Africa Connect’s work will be carried out through initiatives like intercultural dialogue sessions, research, empowerment, investment, and youth involvement, all to highlight and enhance the rich cultural histories of these countries and the beneficial effects of cooperation with the creative economy.