A Recap of WAD’s Landmark 10th Edition and Emerging Talent Initiatives
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 May 2024: This past weekend, World Art Dubai (WAD) drew in thousands of art enthusiasts and creatives to the Dubai World Trade Centre for its landmark 10th edition, held in collaboration with Dubai Culture.
Immersive Art Experiences and Global Artistic Diversity at WAD
Across the four days of the WAD 2024, visitors of every age immersed themselves in a diverse range of art experiences, including interactive art installations, captivating live performances, insightful art discussions, and enriching workshops. The expansive programme featured contemporary artworks from over 10,000 pieces exhibited by 400 galleries and individual artists from 65 nations. From paintings and sculptures to live performances, printmaking, photography and digital art, the fair presented a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, catering to the tastes of art enthusiasts of all generations.
Programmes of awards and initiatives concluded on the event’s final day, bringing accolades and opportunities for participating artists.
Mentorship Opportunity for Young Artists
For the anniversary edition, WAD was proud to launch the Art Mentorship Programme. This ground-breaking initiative highlighted a decade-long dedication to nurturing emerging talent and enriching the UAE’s art landscape. The programme provided personalised mentorship from two respected UAE artists: Dr. Najat Makki and Rashid Al Mulla. These accomplished artists mentored aspiring Emirati art students live during the exhibition, guiding them through various artistic styles and techniques. The Art Mentorship Programme served as a vital bridge between emerging talents and the professional art world. Indeed, it offered a platform for creative exchange and professional growth.
Award Winners Receive Exhibition Space
World Art Dubai concluded the prestigious WAD Awards Ceremony, honoring exceptional artists and galleries. In its 6th edition, the WAD Emerging Artists Prize, partnered with Rove Hotels and themed their collaboration ‘Cultural Crossroads.’ It put the spotlight on emerging talents from the region and beyond. Moreover, this provided them with a unique platform to showcase their skills and advance their careers. Azaide Robin won the grand prize, entitling them to an exclusive opportunity to exhibit their artwork at World Art Dubai 2025. As a winner, they will have their own complimentary space next year. The Emerging Artists Prize included a People’s Choice Award category, and Manoj Zinzuwadia emerged as the winner. This award came with a cash prize of AED 5,000. Rove Hotels also treated both winning artists to a complimentary stay at one of its properties in Dubai.
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown Award selected Rikka Gallery and the artist Ryoten Ogata from Japan as the winners of an exhibition space within the arts-focused hotel.
Additionally, the WAD 2024 named David Learman, a UK national based in the UAE, as the Best Photographer.
Young Artists Lead the Way Towards 2025
In the WAD Future Artists Competition, 12 schools from across the UAE submitted artworks. The artworks were presented under the theme of ‘Expressions of Emotions’. Repton School received the Grand Award Primary, while GEMS Millenium School was named the Runner-Up Primary. Nord Anglia School secured the Grand Award Secondary, with Gems Legacy School recognized as the Runner-Up Secondary.
Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “World Art Dubai 2024 was an incredible celebration of creativity and diversity, bringing together artists and enthusiasts from around the world. I am particularly delighted with the success of the Art Mentorship Programme, which has played a crucial role in nurturing emerging Emirati talent and enriching our art landscape. As we look ahead, we are excited about the new plans we have in store for 2025, building upon the foundation laid this year.”
Asma congratulated all WAD Award winners and thanked partners and exhibitors for their contributions, anticipating another successful event next year.
Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, the first certified boutique hotel in the United Arab Emirates, proudly serves as the fair’s Art Hotel Partner. In addition, Al Hathboor Group is the fair’s Artistic Sponsor.
WAD featured over 10,000 artworks from 400 galleries and solo artists from 65 countries. The fair will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre in 2025. For more information, please visit World Art Dubai’s website at www.worldartdubai.com.
