The Arts Center at NYUAD celebrates decade of cultural exchange, artistic growth and community engagement

13 Mar 2025 23:05
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)As the UAE embraces 2025 as the Year of Community, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has 10 years served as a cultural hub, bringing world-class performances to the heart of Abu Dhabi while nurturing homegrown talent.
"From the beginning, it was important for us to be deeply connected to the UAE community, while also forming a bridge to the international performing arts world," Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director of The Arts Center at NYUAD, told Aletihad in an interview. A key milestone has been the rise of local shows, with more commissioned productions and world premieres than ever before."This allows our UAE-based talents to create works which focus on stories and themes with special resonance," Bragin noted. "Our ability to put together a season with so many local productions is the result of a decade of deep engagement, exposing UAE artists to diverse works as they attend our performances, and creating connections between visiting and local artists through our robust residency format."He explained that this format enables visiting artists to engage beyond the stage, share their artistic approaches, connect with the community over meals, and experience local hospitality - gaining a deeper understanding of the UAE's cultural landscape.
Year of Community President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2025 the Year of Community under the slogan "Hand in Hand".Bragin believes that art plays a vital role in making people feel more connected to the UAE, and to one another."In a place as dynamic as the UAE, which is always evolving, the arts offer special opportunities to foster shared histories and experiences for people who come from so many different lived experiences," he said. "At every performance at The Arts Center, people from different backgrounds, ages and heritage all come together in a unique one-time-only community that every audience comprises."The Arts Center follows a curatorial strategy to engage a wide local audience, according to Bragin. This is evident in initiatives like the Tamaas Festival, which juxtaposes artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, and commissioned cross-cultural collaborations.
Nurturing the UAE's Cultural Ecosystem Beyond performances, The Arts Center is deeply involved in the development of the UAE's cultural ecosystem, supporting both emerging and established artists."The Arts Center's model is based on a residency model, in which the public performances are merely one part of a constellation of activities designed to help grow the UAE's ecosystem," Bragin said."Most artists lead workshops and speak on panels - these both help to develop the knowledge and skills of the local participants, while strengthening the networks of artists, who often meet each other for the first time at the workshops."The Arts Center also offers free matinees for school groups in the UAE, aiming to instill a love for the arts in young people.Its Numoo professional training programme further equips emerging artists with the skills needed to build sustainable careers. The Center has also played a key role in commissioning new works, providing platforms for talents such as Emirati playwright Reem Almenhal and theatre collective 63 Kollektiv, whose upcoming production "Metro Diaries" explores the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers in the UAE.Other notable examples include filmmaker Philip Rachid, aka Soultrotter, whose award-winning film "It Ain't Where You From" explores the stories of street dancers from across the region who reinvented themselves in the UAE; and Abu Dhabi writer Deepak Unnikrishanan who created his first movement theatre piece, "PETTEE", inspired by migration to the Gulf.
'Uncovering' Cultural Bridges A defining aspect of The Arts Center's work is its ability to merge global and local artistic expressions. One of Bragin's favourite collaborations was the 2019 Cuban Khaleeji Project, commissioned by The Arts Center.It brought together multiple Grammy winner Arturo O'Farrill and his Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra with regional musicians, including Ali Obaid, Boom.Diwan, Malika Zarra and Yazz Ahmed. The project, which toured New York and Saudi Arabia, led to further collaborations between O'Farrill and Boom.Diwan, such as the acclaimed Live in the Khaleej! album recorded at The Arts Center.Bragin recalls a comment made by one of the musicians during an artist-community dinner; "that it felt less that we were building bridges between cultures, but rather, uncovering bridges that already existed, but may not have been travelled for a while."Another memorable collaboration was a season-opening concert featuring two traditional groups - Venezuela's Betsayda Machado y La Parranda el Clavo and the UAE's Lewah Maritime Ensemble.
Making the Arts Accessible to All The Arts Center has also been a champion of accessibility, ensuring inclusivity for diverse communities, including people of determination.Bragin highlighted featured artists such as dancer Aakash Odedra, whose work explores neurodivergence, blind singer Raul Midón, comedian and disability advocate Maysoon Zayid, and the CanDoCo dance company, whose members include a wheelchair user, an amputee and a deaf dancer. These artists visited sessions at local schools and universities, destigmatising neurodivergence and disabilities.School matinees are also modified to accommodate children on the autism spectrum, fostering an inclusive environment where all audiences feel welcome, Bragin added.
Abu Dhabi: A Hub of Global Art and Connection Bragin noted that Abu Dhabi's cultural scene has flourished over the past decade, evolving from a city known for beloved annual festivals to a year-round artistic hub. The reopening of the Cultural Foundation, the rise of institutions like Louvre Abu Dhabi and 421 Arts Campus, and the development of the Saadiyat Cultural District have all contributed to this transformation."I think what sets the capital apart is the incredible internationalism of the audience. There's no place else that I know that brings together so many people with so many different histories, lived experiences, languages, accents and stories," Bragin added. "The UAE welcomes us and gives us a shared foundation that also values what we've all brought with us."
Ramadan Special The Arts Center will host Layth Sidiq Quartet: Ramadaniyyat 2025 on March 18. Acclaimed violinist Layth Sidiq will bring together renowned musicians - including Samvel Gasparyan (piano), Alaa Saber (qanun) and Ahmed Kamel (percussion) - for a performance featuring lesser-known Ramadan songs from around the world. "While drawing from nostalgia, he also innovates within the tradition with a multi-cultural ensemble, which encourages non-Muslims to feel even more connected to the spirit of Ramadan," said Bragin.
And after the performance, the artists and audience will come together for an informal suhoor.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The National

7 hours ago

• The National

Elaia Dubai review: Mediterranean dishes with a fun twist, from burrata to baklava

Mediterranean food has long been synonymous with comforting dishes and fresh ingredients brimming with flavour. At Elaia, which opened in Dubai Marina in May, dishes come from all around the Mediterranean region, featuring classics with a subtle twist to create a delicious blend of familiar and novel flavours. The setting Finding the restaurant can be tricky if you are unfamiliar with the Pier 7 entrance, which is right past Dubai Marina Mall. You can hand over your car to the valet at the get-off point on the buzzing roundabout or park in the mall and walk over from level one instead. From Pier 7, take a second lift up to the fourth floor and, almost instantly, the atmosphere changes to a dimly lit but lively setting. Hit songs from the 2000s play in the background, while Greek mythology-inspired ornaments set the mood. The restaurant has an expansive view of the twinkling Dubai Marina. As the sun sets over the horizon, the water changes colour and the glimmering buildings melt into the skyline, morphing into something reminiscent of a painting. In the dining room, an air of intimacy is palpable thanks to the low-hanging chandeliers, plus warm lamps placed on every table. The vibe Elaia is Greek for olive tree, an integral element of the Mediterranean region, which is also known for its fresh flavours and sharing-style plates. 'We wanted the menu to reflect the sharing concept because Elaia is a social venue; you come here to share,' says Aleix Garcia, founder of Infini Concepts. 'We wanted to create something that was not just a restaurant, but more of a bistro with quality produce and good service,' he says. Strongly influenced by Greek culture and mythology, the restaurant's interior is replete with large painted murals and golden ornaments. 'We wanted to respect Greek mythology with a bit of creativity and a modern touch,' says Garcia, alluding to the murals hand-painted by Maria Kova, who specialises in abstract art. The food, meanwhile, represents the Spanish, Italian and Greek people working at the restaurant. 'We drew a lot of inspiration from what they actually grew up with,' says head chef Etienne Mieny, 42, who adds that he sources fish, olive oil and a range of other produce straight from the Mediterranean region. 'We just looking to create a homey, family-style environment where people can be themselves and spend time with those they love,' he adds. The menu My dining companion and I start our meal with tzatziki (Dh38), a cold yogurt-based dip that comes with cucumber, dill and a drizzle of Italian olive oil, plus warm pita bread on the side. It's well-balanced but, having tried tzatziki in the Aegean, I found this version lacking the anticipated flavour punch of garlic. Fortunately, the prawns saganaki (Dh62) starter meets expectations. The prawns are laid in a tangy, herby tomato sauce with cheese cubes, and are rich in flavour. If, like me, your spice tolerance is high, you might need to add more chilli to this dish. The Italian-inspired Sorrento salad (Dh78) takes the form of a ball of burrata served on a bed of marinated zucchini ribbons drizzled in balsamic vinegar and topped with mustard seeds. The smooth cheese is cut open and garnished with salt and pepper before being served with basil leaves for a melt-in-the-mouth experience. For the mains, the cornfed baby chicken (Dh155) is a highlight. The chicken is grilled and tender to the bite, marinated in a peppery-umami sauce with caramelised mushrooms, all reduced in non-alcoholic red wine. The beautifully plated grilled octopus tentacle (Dh175) is another winner, sitting on a smooth spread of harissa romesco paste, with crispy roasted potatoes and onions and garnished with salsa. The meat is far from chewy, making for a satisfying experience complimented by the creamy but smoky romesco. It's desserts that take the cake. We have light-as-air tiramisu with a coffee-soaked sponge layer (Dh85), creamy Basque cheesecake with tart berry compote (Dh60) and 'modern baklava', with pistachio-cardamom ice cream coated in white chocolate and sandwiched between crunchy honey filo layers (Dh65). Contact information Elaia is open daily from noon to 2am. Reservations can be made by calling 058 978 1000.

Sharjah 24

8 hours ago

• Sharjah 24

Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave

Beijing-based Pop Mart is part of a rising tide of Chinese cultural exports gaining traction abroad, furry ambassadors of a "cool" China even in places associated more with negative public opinion of Beijing such as Europe and North America. Labubus, which typically sell for around $40, are released in limited quantities and sold in "blind boxes", meaning buyers don't know the exact model they will receive. The dolls are "a bit quirky and ugly and very inclusive, so people can relate", interior designer Lucy Shitova told AFP at a Pop Mart store in London, where in-person sales of Labubus have been suspended over fears that fans could turn violent in their quest for the toys. "Now everything goes viral... because of social media. And yes, it's cool. It's different." While neighbouring East Asian countries South Korea and Japan are globally recognised for their high-end fashion, cinema and pop songs, China's heavily censored film and music industry have struggled to attract international audiences, and the country's best-known clothing exporter is fast-fashion website Shein. There have been few success stories of Chinese companies selling upmarket goods under their own brands, faced with stereotypes of cheap and low-quality products. "It has been hard for the world's consumers to perceive China as a brand-creating nation," the University of Maryland's Fan Yang told AFP. Pop Mart has bucked the trend, spawning copycats dubbed by social media users as "lafufus" and detailed YouTube videos on how to verify a doll's authenticity. Brands such as designer womenswear label Shushu/Tong, Shanghai-based Marchen and Beijing-based handbag maker Songmont have also gained recognition abroad over the past few years. "It might just be a matter of time before even more Chinese brands become globally recognisable," Yang said. TikTok effect Through viral exports like Labubu, China is "undergoing a soft-power shift where its products and image are increasingly cool among young Westerners," said Allison Malmsten, an analyst at China-based Daxue Consulting. Malmsten said she believed social media could boost China's global image "similar to that of Japan in the 80s to 2010s with Pokemon and Nintendo". Video app TikTok -- designed by China's ByteDance -- paved the way for Labubu's ascent when it became the first Chinese-branded product to be indispensable for young people internationally. Joshua Kurlantzick from the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) told AFP that "TikTok probably played a role in changing consumers' minds about China". TikTok, which is officially blocked within China but still accessible with VPN software, has over one billion users, including what the company says is nearly half of the US population. The app has become a focus of national security fears in the United States, with a proposed ban seeing American TikTok users flock to another Chinese app, Rednote, where they were welcomed as digital "refugees". A conduit for Chinese social media memes and fashion trends, TikTok hosts over 1.7 million videos about Labubu. Labubumania Cultural exports can "improve the image of China as a place that has companies that can produce globally attractive goods or services", CFR's Kurlantzick told AFP. "I don't know how much, if at all, this impacts images of China's state or government," he said, pointing to how South Korea's undeniable soft power has not translated into similar levels of political might. While plush toys alone might not translate into actual power, the United States' chaotic global image under the Trump presidency could benefit perceptions of China, the University of Maryland's Yang said. "The connection many make between the seeming decline of US soft power and the potential rise in China's global image may reflect how deeply intertwined the two countries are in the minds of people whose lives are impacted by both simultaneously," she told AFP. At the very least, Labubu's charms appear to be promoting interest in China among the younger generation. "It's like a virus. Everyone just wants it," Kazakhstani mother-of-three Anelya Batalova told AFP at Pop Mart's theme park in Beijing. Qatari Maryam Hammadi, 11, posed for photos in front of a giant Labubu statue. "In our country, they love Labubu," she said. "So, when they realise that the origin of Labubu is in China, they'd like to come to see the different types of Labubu in China."

Khaleej Times

11 hours ago

• Khaleej Times

'Sharing Emirati identity': Sharjah showcases UAE literature at Rio International Book Fair

Sharjah is participating in the Rio International Book Fair 2025, presenting a range of Emirati and Arab literary works as part of efforts to strengthen cultural exchange with Latin America. The Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) is showcasing Emirati literature translated into Portuguese and promoting Sharjah's role in the global publishing industry at the Rio International Book Fair 2025. The event, which runs until June 22, coincides with Rio de Janeiro's designation as UNESCO's World Book Capital for 2025 a title previously held by Sharjah in participation comes under the directives of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA). Through its pavilion, SBA is presenting works from the UAE and the Arab world, highlighting developments in literature, publishing, and cultural programming. The delegation is also engaging with international publishers, translators, and cultural institutions to explore opportunities for cooperation and translation. SBA CEO Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri said the participation reflects the vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who views culture as central to development. 'Sharjah's presence in Rio is about sharing Emirati identity while building stronger connections with Latin American cultural communities,' he said. As part of the book fair's programme, SBA organised a panel titled: " The heritage of Arab literature and Sharjah-led new literary movement", featuring Emirati authors whose works have been translated into Portuguese. These included Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Lulwah Al Mansouri, and Nasser Al Dhaheri. The session focused on Sharjah's role in supporting authors and encouraging new writing. The fair also featured a book signing ceremony for the translated titles, aimed at promoting Emirati literature to new audiences. SBA used the platform to introduce key cultural and publishing initiatives from the emirate, including the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, and Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone. Other programmes highlighted included the Sharjah Publishing Sustainability Fund (Onshur) and the Sharjah Literary Agency, which supports Arab authors and expands their international reach. The Sharjah pavilion also hosted the PublisHer initiative, founded by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi to support women in publishing. A selection of titles from Al Qasimi Publications and works from the Department of Culture were also on display. First held in 1983, the Rio International Book Fair is Brazil's largest literary event, attracting more than 600,000 visitors. Organised by the National Union of Book Publishers (SNEL), it serves as a key platform for exchanging ideas and promoting global literary dialogue.