Dubai: The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled the first-ever Dubai Sculpture Symposium 2024, an event dedicated to emphasizing the role of sculpture in enriching Dubai’s visual landscape.
The initiative aligns with the emirate’s Public Art Strategy, aimed at transforming Dubai into an open-air art museum while strengthening its position as a global hub for culture, creativity, and talent.
Running until December 22 at the Al Shindagha Historic District, the symposium fosters a dynamic creative environment, empowering local sculptors while encouraging knowledge exchange with international artists.
By showcasing diverse sculptural techniques, the event underscores the importance of public art in enhancing cultural and creative industries.
Aligned with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, the symposium features 15 acclaimed sculptors from the UAE, the Gulf, and beyond.
Esteemed participants include Emirati sculptor Azza Al Qubaisi, Syrian artist Aktham Abdul Hamid, Bulgarian artist Georgi Minchev, and Chinese artist Liu Yang, who will showcase their unique approaches to the art form.
يجمع ملتقى دبي للنحت مواهب إبداعية متنوعة، ويوفر فرصاً فريدة للتواصل مع المجتمع الفني كجزء من التزامنا بتعزيز استراتيجية الفن في الأماكن العامة. ومن خلال الجلسات النقاشية المجانية والعروض الحية وغيرها، يعتبر الملتقى منصة استكشاف للفنانين وأفراد المجتمع على حدٍ سواء.
لا تفوتوا… pic.twitter.com/vgPHiJtRAs
— Dubai Culture (@DubaiCulture) December 4, 2024
In addition to live sculpting sessions, the symposium will feature a series of seminars and panel discussions, focusing on key topics across three dates:
- December 7:
- The Evolution of Public Art: Sculptures in Urban Spaces
- Sculpture as Cultural Storytelling
- December 14:
- Sculpting for the Environment: Sustainability in Public Art
- Interactive Sculpture: Engaging Communities Through Art
- December 21:
- Mastering Monumental Sculptures: Challenges and Techniques
- Public Sculpture and Youth Engagement: Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
Dr. Saeed bin Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized Dubai’s creative leadership and its role in fostering cultural and artistic connections.
Dr. Saeed stated that, “The Dubai Sculpture Symposium is a platform for distinguished sculptors to share expertise, showcase their artistry, and inspire the local art scene. This initiative strengthens cultural industries and supports Dubai Culture’s mission to enrich the creative sector.”
The event, closed to children for safety reasons, will honor outstanding artists for their contributions to the arts, celebrating their role in driving innovation and creativity.
Organized by the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, the symposium partners with key entities, including Al Shindagha Museum, Sikka Platform, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, Dubai Ambulance, Dubai Civil Defence, Dubai Customs, and the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA Dubai).