“Explorations in the Arts” a new art initiative introduced by Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation
In its effort to support the UAE community and introduce them to the dynamic art scene, the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation launched this month its initiative Explorations in the Arts. Explorations in the Arts will run from June to August 2014 targeted to university students in the UAE.
The program’s curriculum will take students through three different phases. The first component of the program is introducing the students to the UAE art scene. Students will get the chance to visit and meet different art organizations in the UAE and create awareness on what careers are available in this field. The second component will be an intensive 1 month internship opportunity at an art-related organization in the UAE to expose them to the different careers. The last component is an international travel to an art destination, Copenhagen, where students will visit galleries, museums, and renowned art universities.
“Explorations in the Arts is an evolution of last year’s program Art Trip. After evaluation of last year’s program, some changes were made to achieve a higher impact within the community.” Said Khulood Al Atiyat, the Foundation’s Manager of Arts, Culture & Heritage.
Nine out of the 46 students nominated were eligible to enter this program. All students were required to fill in an application form and submit a portfolio. They were then required to sit an interview with a jury panel from the Foundation to evaluate their interest in arts and the program. The selected students compromising of 3 male and 6 female are all Emiratis aged between 17-22 years old and originate from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
On her experience during the interviews with the students, says the Foundation’s Khulood Al Atiyat, “It is so inspiring to see how many young people are interested in the arts and careers in the arts, and how pleased we are at the Foundation to be able to support them”.
The Foundation through its arts initiatives supports people interested in arts and arts professions at various stages in their growth and development. This includes establishing the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Emerging Artists Fellowship, supporting the Lest We Forget initiative, and offering internship opportunities at the National Pavilion UAE for la Biennale di Venezia.