Public Art Abu Dhabi is a new initiative under the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT), with the aim of commissioning artwork to advance the cultural legacy of Abu Dhabi. The program hopes to enhance infrastructure, improve livability and support art and creativity within the region. Public Art Abu Dhabi represents the commitment of the DCT to bring artistic expression into the everyday lives of residents and visitors.
The initiative was launched on March 20, with the unveiling of WAVE, a public digital media artwork by the artistic collective district. WAVE is a perfect representation of how the program hopes to engage the community with artistic expression infused with the emirate’s cultural identity to provide a sense of belonging. The installation uses an anamorphic illusion technique to recreate perpetually surging three-dimensional waves.
Public Art Abu Dhabi will receive an investment of over $35 million annually to support the creative industries in Abu Dhabi. The program’s three major long-term projects include Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, Manar Abu Dhabi, and direct artist commissions. These projects aim to contribute to the conservation of significant architectural and urban spaces and enhance their value to the community.
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will launch in November 2024 and will be led by Reem Fadda, Director of the Cultural Foundation and Abu Dhabi Cultural Programmes, and renowned independent curator Galit Eilat. The Biennial aims to commission and exhibit a vibrant, inclusive, and varied selection of artists rooted in the UAE and the region, while also including artists from all over the world.
Manar Abu Dhabi is a public art platform that will feature light art sculptures and installations in the archipelagos and mangroves of Abu Dhabi. Viewers will be treated to an immersive water journey connecting the shores of different islands, celebrating the natural beauty of the emirate. The program also plans to execute a series of yearly direct commissions across Abu Dhabi’s landmarks, including tunnels, roundabouts, bridges, parks, and more, taking inspiration from the UAE capital’s distinctive identity.