Press Release

In support of the Abu Dhabi Festival’s commitment to education, Gulf Capital has become the Abu Dhabi Festival’s official ‘Education Partner’ for the third consecutive year. In 2014, Gulf Capital will help drive the Abu Dhabi Festival’s deep and long-standing tradition of investing in innovative, world-class, educational outreach initiatives to inspire and nurture the next generation of artists across the UAE throughout the 11th edition, which takes place March 2-31. In line with the UAE 2021 Vision, the Festival’s Education Programme provides multiple opportunities for children, young people and adults to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the arts, ignite their creativity and expand their horizons.

H.E. Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “Education has been a core component of the Festival since its inception in 2004. We take pride in providing young people across the country with opportunities to meet and be inspired by the world’s top artists, recognising talented young people, and igniting a passion for creativity among students.

“In support of these aspirations, we’re delighted to have Gulf Capital on board for the third consecutive year to drive our educational initiatives forward. With their passion and support we look to take our education programme to new heights during ADF 2014.”

Dr Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Capital said: “Abu Dhabi Festival is an inspiring international platform for young Emirati talent where they can get exposure to world-class artists while showcasing the magnificence of the UAE’s heritage. Gulf Capital’s association with the Festival for the third year in a row, two of them as the ‘Education Partner’, reflects our commitment to contribute to the development of our youth. We believe that educating and nurturing the youth of this region is the best investment we can make for the future.”

In identifying and nurturing young talent, Gulf Capital will work with the Abu Dhabi Festival to inspire young students to develop their talent and to pursue careers in the arts through the ‘Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award’ and the ‘Gulf Capital – Abu Dhabi Festival Visual Arts Award;’ creating a generation which believes in the power of art and creative expression. Alongside the Gulf Capital–ADMAF Creativity Award which celebrates the outstanding contribution of national university students in the fields of Video, Film, Photography, Visual Arts and Creative Writing, the Gulf Capital – Abu Dhabi Festival Visual Arts Award enables students to interact directly with the internationally acclaimed Abu Dhabi Festival visual artists. This year will see the winners of the Gulf Capital-Abu Dhabi Festival Visual Arts Award present their work (inspired by the father of sound art, Bill Fontana) alongside the world premiere of the exhibition ‘Acoustical Visions’ as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2014.

Gulf Related, the real estate arm of Gulf Capital, which is designed, built and is managing The Galleria at Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi, will also support the ‘Carnegie Hall Music Residency IV: Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and Carnegie Hall Presents Decoda.’ The 4th edition of this annual music education initiative sees a specially selected group of Abu Dhabi’s finest young musicians (aged 13 & 19 years) undertake a series of intensive composition workshops with Decoda, a chamber ensemble comprised of virtuoso musicians who are alumni of Ensemble ACJW; a programme held in partnership with Carnegie Hall, the prestigious Julliard School of Music, and the Weill Music Institute. The project culminates in an evening public performance at Abu Dhabi Theatre on 22 March. This remarkable experience is designed to inspire creativity and give them the chance to participate in a high level performance.

This year’s 11th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival celebrates the best in dance, opera, music, and the visual arts from March 2nd – 31st. Information on admission,schedules, venues and upcoming performances can be found on the Festival website: www.abudhabifestival.ae.