Dubai Culture has unveiled a series of creative and educational workshops under its “School of Life” initiative, aimed at enriching the skills of Dubai Public Library members. Running throughout August 2024, these workshops focus on the theme ‘Capturing Moments: Photography & Cinema’ and are designed to enhance visual storytelling techniques while fostering community engagement in the cultural and creative industries.
Diverse Workshops
Photography and Cinema Sessions:
These sessions will be hosted at various Dubai Public Libraries, offering participants a deep dive into visual storytelling. Hala Kassab leads the Art Club workshops at Al Safa Art and Design Library, where children will explore collage and multimedia techniques. The Photography Club at the same location offers sessions on storytelling through photojournalism, tailored for children aged 6 to 15.
At Al Mankhool Public Library, the Cinema Club, supervised by Touma Bittar, will train participants in analyzing classic films, understanding visual composition, and mastering camera movements to enhance storytelling. Meanwhile, Nasser Haji will present the ‘Capturing Togetherness: From the Heart to the Lens’ workshop at Thukher Club, focusing on family photo creation techniques. Additionally, his ‘Lens of Memories’ workshop at Hatta Public Library will delve into using photography to tell stories about Emirati heritage and culture. Consequently, these workshops will offer a comprehensive approach to both cinematic and photographic arts..
Cinema Club:
In addition to the Cinema Club’s analytical workshops, there will be a series of sessions at Al Mankhool Library focusing on cinematic composition, camera movements, and integrating framing techniques. Moreover, the month will conclude with a film screening, which will provide a platform for participants to apply their newly acquired skills. Consequently, these sessions will not only build technical expertise but also offer practical experience in the art of cinema.
Arts & Games Session
Chess Club:
Running at Al Twar Library, the Chess Club will continue its educational series with workshops aimed at enhancing strategic thinking and chess tactics. Participants aged 6 and above will engage in various sessions, from decoding endgames to mastering advanced chess strategies.
Art Club:
The Art Club, hosted at Al Safa Art and Design Library, offers creative sessions like collage-making, crafting from scraps, and porcelain plate painting. These workshops are open to children and adults, encouraging participants to explore their artistic abilities.
A Platform for Creative Expression
The “School of Life” workshops aim to create a sustainable creative ecosystem in Dubai, providing community members with opportunities to develop their skills in photography, cinema, and the arts. Consequently, by engaging with these workshops, participants will not only enhance their artistic abilities but also contribute to the broader cultural landscape of Dubai. Additionally, these workshops serve to enrich the local creative community, fostering both personal growth and collective cultural development.
Supporting Reading and Knowledge
Concurrent with these workshops, the Al Safa Art and Design Library will host a Second-Hand Book Fair, promoting reading and knowledge among young readers. The fair will run from 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday through Thursday, and from 8 AM to 12 PM on Fridays, offering a valuable collection of used books at affordable prices.
