Symposium

ING House, Amsterdam
November 8, 2007

The cultural and artistic ambitions of the UAE have captured the attention of the world. According to Newsweek (August 6, 2007 issue) Abu Dhabi is well on its way to becoming a cultural capital of the Middle East; joining neighbouring Dubai and Sharjah, with their DIFC Gulf Art Fair (now Art Dubai) and Sharjah Biennial respectively, in initiating large-scale cultural initiatives.

The time is ripe for the UAE to build relationships with art institutions in Europe and to create mutually beneficial partnerships at the highest level.

To explore the cultural opportunities for Western organisations concerning visual arts in the UAE, as well as to acquire more knowledge about the motivations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Onderneming & Kunst (Enterprise & Art) has arranged the seminar Great Expectations - Art & Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.

The seminar offers a unique insight into one of the world's largest cultural developments and highlights the opportunities for collaboration.

Speakers at the symposium will be top officials from the Tourism and Development Investment Council (TDIC) - the principal partner for Saadiyat Island's Cultural District - who will be joined by major figures from the Dubai Cultural Council and the Sharjah Biennial. Representatives from the Western cultural organisations that have already established partnerships in the UAE - such as the Louvre, Sotheby's and the DIFC Gulf Art Fair - will also be in attendance.

Subject of the lectures and discussions will be the motivations and interests of the government of the Emirates to establish partnerships with Western institutions. Speakers from Western art organisations will give their views on their interest and motivation to invest in the UAE.
The symposium will offer the attendants a platform to exchange ideas and experiences about cultural developments in the United Arab Emirates.

Chairperson of the seminar is Annabelle Birnie, head of ING Art Management.
Onderneming & Kunst is organising this seminar as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the company.

Date
'Great Expectations - Art & Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates'
8 November 2007, 2.30pm - 10pm
ING House, Amsterdam (next to highway A10).

Organiser
'Great Expectations - Art & Opportunities in the United Arab Emirates' is organised by Enterprise & Art (Onderneming & Kunst) art consultants and cultural entrepreneurs, based in Amsterdam, The Netherlands (www.onk.nl).