If you’re based in the UAE and into art, you need to check out Art Dubai 2011 and the Sharjah Biennial.
A list of exhibitors for the 2011 edition - Galleries
With the fifth edition of Art Dubai and Sharjah Biennial 10 taking place this March, art lovers in the UAE are in for a visual treat. Complementing the high profile art events that attract global talent, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is supporting the ArtBus, which makes its return for the fifth consecutive year. This year, the ArtBus will not only transport art lovers to arts venues in Al Quoz, DIFC and Al Bastakiya but also to Sharjah. The most compelling feature of the ArtBus this year will be its exteriors, which will feature exclusive artworks by Emirati artists, who have been specially commissioned by Dubai Culture in association with Art in the City. These artists are Sheikha bin Dhaher, Zeinab Al Hashemi and Saeed Al Madani and all who critically engage with local culture and the contemporary arts scene.
The ArtBuses will have dedicated art guides providing insight into the galleries and the art on show. Passengers will also be provided with art packs equipping them with a comprehensive introduction. The three routes are as follows:
Sharjah Route, Sharjah
Galleries included are Maraya Art Centre, Barjeel Art Foundation. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and Sharjah Biennial 10. There will be two return buses to Dubai to allow for visitors who wish to stay for the evening performances, departing at 5pm and then 15 minutes after the last performance.
March 16–19. Bus departs Souk Madinat Jumeirah roundabout at 10am.
Al Bastakiya & DIFC Route, Dubai
Galleries and art exhibitions included are Art Chowk, Al Serkal Cultural Foundation Heritage House, Art Space, Ayyam Gallery, Cuadro Fine Art Gallery, the Delfina Foundation, TERMINAL; Edge of Arabia, The Empty Quarter, the Dr. Farjam Collection, Green Art Gallery, Hunar Gallery, the Majlis Gallery, Marsam Mattar, Opera Gallery, Pro Art Gallery, Showcase Gallery, Tashkeel, Sikka Art Fair and XVA Gallery. Scheduled lunch stop at Al Bastakiya Arts Quarter.
March 17–19. Bus departs Souk Madinat Jumeirah roundabout at 10am.
Al Qouz Route, Dubai
Galleries included are Art Sawa, Ayyam Art Centre, Carbon 12, 1x1 Contemporary, The Courtyard Gallery, DUCTAC, Etemad Gallery, Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, Green Art Gallery, thejamjar, Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, Mojo Gallery, The Pavilion, Tashkeel, The Third Line, Total Arts at the Courtyard, Traffic and Vindemia. Scheduled lunch stop at Lime Tree Café & Kitchen in Al Quoz.
March 17–19. Bus departs Souk Madinat Jumeirah roundabout at 10am.