The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has unveiled the second edition of Numoo, an artist development initiative aimed at nurturing performing artists in the UAE and contributing to the growth of the nation’s arts ecosystem and artist development. Numoo is a three-week intensive program that will run from June to September 2023, supported by a grant from the U.S. Mission to the UAE.
In line with the goals set by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth for the International Year of Creative Industry and Sustainable Development, Numoo seeks to enhance artists’ professional skills and foster their creative growth. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the arts field in the UAE and beyond, bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and artistic experiences.
The second cohort of artists participating in the 2023 edition of Numoo consists of UAE-based talents, including poets, musicians, dancers, choreographers, writers, and theatre-makers. The cohort, selected through a combination of nominations and an open call application, will receive guidance from The Arts Center staff, invited international arts professionals, and their fellow artists. The program also offers opportunities to engage with The Arts Center’s public performances and attend Off the Stage workshops and panels.
The focus of Numoo is on professional skills and artistic processes rather than the end product. The program aims to support the growth of each artist and foster a sustainable artistic community, enabling them to showcase their work to the public in the UAE and internationally.
Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center, expressed the institution’s commitment to promoting and nurturing the local artistic scene. Bragin believes in the immense talent of UAE-based artists and sees Numoo as a platform to support young artists’ journeys and help them develop their professional skills to become internationally recognized forces in their respective fields.
The Arts Center actively engages in international collaborations, hosting exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events that attract artists and enthusiasts from around the world. These exchanges expose local talents to global influences while showcasing the UAE’s rich heritage, fostering intercultural understanding and dialogue.
Robin Solomon, the U.S. Embassy’s Counselor for Public Affairs, expressed excitement about sponsoring the professional development of the talented individuals participating in Numoo. Solomon sees Numoo as an opportunity to contribute to the UAE’s impressive vision for its cultural and creative industry, one cohort at a time. The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi represents the best of American cultural expertise and experience in the performing arts, and the sponsorship aligns with the United States’ commitment to expanding cultural partnerships with the UAE.
The curriculum for Numoo includes a range of course elements such as defining and communicating an artistic vision, project management and budgeting, rights, royalties, and intellectual property, contracts and negotiation, working with technical production, and touring.
Numoo is poised to provide emerging artists with the necessary tools and support to thrive in the UAE’s vibrant arts scene and make a lasting impact both locally and globally.