Press Release
Gulf Capital sponsors 9th edition of Abu Dhabi Festival
Gulf Capital, one of the most active alternative asset managers in the Middle East, today announced that it will sponsor the 9th Abu Dhabi Festival 2012, which takes place from March 11 to April 6 and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF).
The Festival showcases the very best of the arts in the world, with a schedule combining classical music, theatre and performing arts, jazz, ballet and fine arts.
World-leading artists from all over the globe, including the Arab region, will present their creative expressions at this year’s event which will pay particular homage to the glory days of Arab cultural expression that stretched from Andalucía to China.
Through the theme ‘Connecting Cultures’ the Abu Dhabi Festival acknowledges the important role artistic expression plays in building partnerships of mutual understanding between people from diverse cultures and traditions.
Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda I. Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “The Abu Dhabi Festival 2012, under the theme of ‘Connecting Cultures’, is about cultural partnerships and we are delighted to have home-grown blue-chip companies such as Gulf Capital join our efforts to realise the vision of the UAE; that of having strong bilateral relations and cultural understanding that embrace the world.”
The Abu Dhabi Festival reinforces the capital’s profile as an international arts metropolis; injecting art, education, culture and creativity into the heart of the Emirate.
Dr Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Capital said: “The Abu Dhabi Festival instigates and inspires cultural and educational activities that run beyond the Festival period and continue throughout the year across the Emirates. The Festival brings arts and music closer to children and young people through activities in schools, colleges and community centres, with the aim of supporting their educational and intellectual development. Gulf Capital is proud to support such activities which have positive transformative power in the society.”
From the acclaimed UK theatre company, Globe Education at Shakespeare’s Globe, that will put on a thrilling new adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as well as organise student workshops, to The BBC Philharmonic Maestro which will offer a unique interactive musical experience for children, the packed programme will also feature the Young Artists’ Day concert that returns this year to nurture the competitive spirit and young talent of Abu Dhabi’s future generation of classical musicians.
The most important issues of the day facing art and culture will be discussed through ‘Riwaq Al Fikr/The Festival Debates’. A total of five panel discussions will bring together a series of leading experts to explore diverse subjects including cultural diplomacy, arts education and the legacy of Arab heritage.
Giving audiences the opportunity to explore the visual arts, the Festival is delighted to welcome renowned Iraqi artist and calligrapher Hassan Massoudy, whose exhibition ‘Gestures of Light’ will feature in ‘Ways of Seeing’. Through the programme of workshops, artist-led walk-throughs and lectures visitors will be able to explore Massoudy’s unique talent and discuss the themes and inspiration behind his work. The exhibition will be held at the Ghaf Gallery from March 19 – April 15.