Walking into a hotel or restaurant no longer entails staring at the walls adorned with abstract pieces of art purchased in bulk from manufacturers, but rather admiring the pieces created by local artists in the country and curated by a specialist, demonstrating the UAE’s commitment to providing larger platforms for artists and a glimpse into the country’s culture for visitors. The hospitality business appears to have realized that investing in local arts may serve as a unique selling point, contribute to a creative interchange with the community, and, of course, create Instagram fodder for visitors.
Paul Bridger, Rove Hotels’ Chief Operating Officer says, Guests with a trained eye for ‘excellent’ images want every part of a venue to be Instagram-worthy and a topic of conversation. With that in mind, the industry is meeting the demands admirably. “We’ve collaborated with a number of local and regional artists from a variety of backgrounds and techniques, including digital, graffiti, photography, sculptures, and more.”
The sculptures by Dubai-based Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej, which depict UAE history and heritage, are the most well-known feature of Address Beach Resort, Jumeirah Beach Residences. “As an artist, I focus on designing, and my goal is to add lovely iconography to the country’s already stunning surroundings,” Mattar said.The progressive movement in Dubai is growing in many areas, particularly in the areas of urbanization and hospitality. The organizations’ knowledge of the relevance of art is adding value to the services as a whole, helping to create a great environment for tourists to learn about and appreciate art.”
Atul Panase, a Dubai-based Indian artist says; “I suggested a touch of art to the owner, as the subject was close to my heart because Rajasthan (India) is about its colorful culture,” he is also the curator who was one of the first among the artists’ fraternity to “paint” in a restaurant Manvaar, Al Karama, Dubai. Atul created a 12-by-8-foot graffiti wall, a 30-meter-long illustrated border that runs along all of the walls, and five watercolor paintings, all of which now adorn the restaurant, which offers equally colorful Rajasthani cuisine.