d’strict’s perpetual digital ‘wave’ installation kicks off abu dhabi's public art initiative

PUBLIC ART ABU DHABI Fosters creativity + CONNECTS COMMUNITIES

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched Public Art Abu Dhabi, an initiative that embraces the emirate’s cultural heritage and integrates it into society. The initiative has launched on March 20th, 2023 with the unveiling of WAVE, a public digital media artwork by the artistic collective d’strict, in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation. Using an anamorphic illusion technique, the 2D installation recreates perpetually surging three-dimensional waves and was first showcased at COEX K-Pop Square, Seoul, South Korea.

Public Art Abu Dhabi will offer opportunities for everyone to connect with new cultural programming, supported by an annual investment of over 35 million US dollars to strengthen the emirate’s creative industries through public art.

video © designboom

an yearly BUDGET of $35M WILL FINANCE THE PUBLIC ART PROJECT

Public Art Abu Dhabi encompasses three key long-term components that contribute to the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, slated to launch as a prestigious event in November 2024, will be curated by Reem Fadda and Galit Eilat, renowned for their extensive experience in engaging communities and art in public spaces. Additionally, Manar Abu Dhabi, set to start in November 2023 will offer a captivating platform, showcasing immersive light art sculptures and installations, inviting viewers on a mesmerizing water journey. Furthermore, through direct artist commissions, Public Art Abu Dhabi fosters creativity and will reinforce the emirate’s identity, enriching public spaces such as tunnels, roundabouts, bridges, and parks with significant artistic contributions.

Reem Fadda, the Director of Cultural Foundation and Abu Dhabi Cultural Programmes, emphasizes the importance of community in Public Art Abu Dhabi. The transformative power of commissioned artworks in the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial and Manar Abu Dhabi will create meaningful connections with people and resonate within their surroundings. These artistic endeavors serve as gateways for the creative community and allow Abu Dhabi to project its vision globally. Galit Eilat, will co-curate the Biennial together with Reem. This ambitious curatorial project will showcase a diverse selection of artists from the UAE, the region, and around the world.

Public Art Abu Dhabi will annually commission artists to create significant contributions that enhance the emirate’s landmarks. These installations will enrich the public’s everyday life, cementing Abu Dhabi as a leading cultural destination with its distinct identity.

TRANSFORM ABU DHABI INTO A GLOBAL CENTRE FOR CULTURE

‘Abu Dhabi’s public art enriches lives by bringing art to every member of the community, inspiring a sense of civic pride, and advancing the capital’s creative legacy.‘ says HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi ‘The emirate has a proud tradition of public art, which we are now elevating with our ambitious Public Art Abu Dhabi initiatives. These will foster creativity, placemaking and cultural infrastructure, while ensuring that public art is integral to our emirate’s cultural identity, liveability, and attractiveness to visitors. DCT Abu Dhabi’s promise is to promote, protect and progress the emirate and transform Abu Dhabi into a global centre for culture.’

image courtesy of the artist: d’strict, WAVE, 2020. Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi