Dance. Media. Design. Filmmaking. Music

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2 Dance Media Design Filmmaking Music

MISSION Above: (left) Workshop by Embrace

nurtures society through the arts, education,

3 MISSION Above: (left) Workshop by Embrace Arabia; (right) Sculptor, Parviz Tanavoli. The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation advances Abu Dhabi s cultural vision and nurtures society through the arts, education, culture and creativity. Centre: Student at a Prince s School of Traditional Arts workshop. Below: The National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra in concert.

4 Patron & President H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research

WE ARE ADMAF Strategic Vision & Mission Above: (right) Thinking Cloud book launch; (left) Young Artists Day,

Below: Le Voile exhibition by Roger Moukarzel. Culture is the key that unlocks creativity.

of age or ability - to access, understand and appreciate cultural expression.

Every year, it undertakes a broad range of initiatives and events, bringing together audiences of diverse

5 WE ARE ADMAF Strategic Vision & Mission Above: (right) Thinking Cloud book launch; (left) Young Artists Day, Abu Dhabi Festival. Centre: (right) Artist, Hamza Bounoua in conversation; (left) Magda El Roumi in concert. Below: Le Voile exhibition by Roger Moukarzel. Culture is the key that unlocks creativity. It is the food that nurtures the soul of mankind. It is the language that transcends borders. It is the anchor that unites a nation. The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) believes in the fundamental right of every person - regardless of age or ability - to access, understand and appreciate cultural expression. Established in 1996 by Her Excellency Mrs Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, ADMAF is a not-for-profit organization. Every year, it undertakes a broad range of initiatives and events, bringing together audiences of diverse origins. Through its festivals, events, educational and community programs, it seeks to nurture the creative talent of the people of the United Arab Emirates and beyond, often in partnership with leading national and international institutions.

6 Message from the Founder Music and the arts are the bonds that bind us together and inspire us to innovate. In 1996, when ADMAF launched as a non-profit organization based on benevolent work, it sought to advance the arts, culture and creativity and complement Abu Dhabi s vision by setting the highest standards of social responsibility. Our journey started by joining with schools and universities to open the doors to new talent. As we spread our wings, we began to engage society through fulfilling experiences. Eight years later, ADMAF held the first Abu Dhabi Festival. The annual symphony of global cultures continues to flourish today alongside year-round community and education programs, thanks to the wisdom and guidance of Abu Dhabi Festival Patron, His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and ADMAF Patron His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan. By 2008, the year that Abu Dhabi announced its strategic plan, ADMAF had firmly established itself as a bridge between the past, the present and the future; and a beacon of cross-cultural understanding between the UAE and the rest of the world. Art and culture play an integral role in the socio-economic success and sustainable development of a nation. This entrepreneurial spirit is also reflected in Abu Dhabi s 2030 Vision. Today, ADMAF is an incubator of talent, leadership and creative thinking. It is a place where art unites people, and where those who care and believe in all forms of cultural expression can help build a future of limitless potential. H.E. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo Founder, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation

7 Just as water quenches a thirsty traveller in the desert, so ADMAF quenches a student's thirst for inspiration and motivation. Dr Rudi de Lange, HCT Abu Dhabi (Women's College) Young Artists Day, Abu Dhabi Festival 2010.

EDUCATION Riwaq Al Maarifa (The Gateway to Knowledge) ADMAF Education fosters understanding of the arts and ignites an appetite for learning among children

Through its year-round education program, ADMAF uses every art form to add value to the formal curricula of schools, colleges and universities and improve

Through a diverse range of lectures, workshops, field trips, exhibitions, concerts, productions and other initiatives, students receive hands on experience

In partnership with key educational institutions across the UAE, it provides opportunities that enable the nation s young talent to take their places as

8 EDUCATION Riwaq Al Maarifa (The Gateway to Knowledge) ADMAF Education fosters understanding of the arts and ignites an appetite for learning among children and young people. Its initiatives help to shape creative thinking, spotlight emerging talent, and broaden horizons. Through its year-round education program, ADMAF uses every art form to add value to the formal curricula of schools, colleges and universities and improve life-long learning opportunities across the UAE. Through a diverse range of lectures, workshops, field trips, exhibitions, concerts, productions and other initiatives, students receive hands on experience that allows them to enhance not only their educational performance but also their life skills. ADMAF believes in investing in potential. In partnership with key educational institutions across the UAE, it provides opportunities that enable the nation s young talent to take their places as the leaders of tomorrow. Above: (left) Gifted pianist, Afra Mumtaz Ahmed Ali; (right) Austrian filmmaker Georg Riha lectures at HCT Men's College. Centre: Journalism students interview the acclaimed photographer Andreas Gursky. Below: Students of HCT Women's College present their work at the Orient meets Occident exhibition.

Young Media Leaders (YML) Roots Revival From miniatures to mosaics, Islamic artistic traditions are in danger of vanishing.

ADMAF joined forces with PSTA to deliver a series of workshops to students of Zayed University, HCT (Women s), Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls, and Al Shohub School for Girls.

Through the Young Media Leaders (YML) program, selected university students meet, listen and learn from leading media professionals and apply their new found knowledge online and in print.

9 Young Media Leaders (YML) Roots Revival From miniatures to mosaics, Islamic artistic traditions are in danger of vanishing. The London-based Prince s School of Traditional Arts (PSTA), under the patronage of HRH The Prince of Wales, is leading the revival. ADMAF joined forces with PSTA to deliver a series of workshops to students of Zayed University, HCT (Women s), Sheikh Zayed Academy for Girls, and Al Shohub School for Girls. It is hoped that this will be the first of many initiatives to safeguard artistic traditions for the next generation. ADMAF is committed to enhancing the communication skills of young nationals. Through the Young Media Leaders (YML) program, selected university students meet, listen and learn from leading media professionals and apply their new found knowledge online and in print. The nine-month initiative engages students from Zayed University, Higher Colleges of Technology and the UAE University. Through a series of seminars at twofour54 and talks by visiting professionals and academics, YML builds the writing, reading and reporting skills of young Emirati men and women. Throughout the program, YML participants are constantly uploading features, photos, reviews and reports online to a dedicated website. In addition, three editions of the YML magazine are distributed through national newspapers. YML feeds young talent and presents journalism as a viable career. It gives a voice to the next generation and frees their creativity. For more information, visit New Horizons In July 2009, the first group of 15 Emirati undergraduates from UAE University attended a four-week long Creative Arts program at the City University of New York, USA. Thanks to this study trip, which was supported by ADMAF, students gained specialist knowledge in theatre-in-education. Students not only brought this new learning back to the UAE but also increased their career potential upon graduation.

10 Through the energy of play, ADMAF utilizes the art of communication and expression to help our children develop their communication skills and self esteem. Shanta Pillai, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs Hamza Bounoua. Courtesy Meem Gallery

COMMUNITY Above: The Arab Bloggers Forum in Ajman.

ADMAF Community offers access to the arts for all. It honours the spirit of Bilad Al Khayr (The Land of Blessings) inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

ADMAF believes that arts and culture play a vital role in society, one which is not only connected to its past but also to its future.

11 COMMUNITY Above: The Arab Bloggers Forum in Ajman. Centre: (left) A workshop by the Centre for Musical Arts at Al Rashid Centre for Special Needs; (right) Music in Hospitals performs to patients. ADMAF Community offers access to the arts for all. It honours the spirit of Bilad Al Khayr (The Land of Blessings) inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Through the creation of cross-cultural platforms, it supports traditions of crafts, dance, music, and storytelling as well as more contemporary forms of expression. ADMAF believes that arts and culture play a vital role in society, one which is not only connected to its past but also to its future. Its year-round community program reaches out to the citizens and residents across the UAE, providing opportunities to the arts for everyone, regardless of their age, ability or location. Through civil society partnerships with organizations such as Al Ghadeer, The Marriage Fund, Ewa a Shelters for Women and Children and the Emirates Wildlife Society World Wildlife Fund, the arts is used not only as a vehicle but also a tool to spread the message about major health, welfare and environmental issues. With its community programme, ADMAF seeks to empower the people of the UAE so that they are able to uphold their customs, preserve their traditions, and share their riches with the world. Below: 'The Adventures of Prince Achmed' receives its premiere in Abu Dhabi.

Telling Tales Storytelling enjoys a long tradition throughout the Arabspeaking world and ADMAF is committed to preserving this ageold art form.

12 Telling Tales Storytelling enjoys a long tradition throughout the Arabspeaking world and ADMAF is committed to preserving this ageold art form. Hakawati (Storyteller) Ahmed Yousef first joined forces with ADMAF for a performance at Al Shohub School for Girls during the Abu Dhabi Festival in Since then, the partnership has flourished. Yousef now weaves his tales of Arabian and Emirati culture across the seven emirates of the UAE (pictured right). Involving students, families and children with special needs, the Hakawati helps to bring communities together, uphold oral heritage, and promote Fus ha, the literary Arabic language. Virtual Voices Since the dawn of the internet, millions of citizen journalists have emerged through the practice of blogging. Today, an estimated 75 million blogs exist online, with a growing proportion written in the Arabic language. To highlight the importance of blogging within contemporary culture, media and society and to explore Arabic language content on the World Wide Web, ADMAF and The Department of Culture and Information of the Emirate of Ajman held the first ever Arab Bloggers Forum, under the umbrella of the League of Arab States. Crafty Business Micro-enterprise schemes are an effective way of empowering people and providing a sustainable source of income. Al Ghadeer uses traditional handicrafts to give stability to Emirati women and their families living in rural areas. From abayas and bishts to pouches and handbags, their beautifully handmade products generate additional income. ADMAF invests and promotes Al Ghadeer as an outstanding example of cultural sustainability. It is just one of several independent community initiatives that ADMAF supports on an annual basis. Hakawati (Arabic storytelling) performance

13 ADMAF is nurturing the next generation of media professionals, to provide vital information and insights for the community. David Hardaker, twofour54 tadreeb HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium meets ADMAF s Young Media Leaders.

CULTURAL EVENTS ADMAF Cultural Events joins local, national and international organisations to uphold Abu Dhabi as a prominent international cultural hub and facilitate bilateral cultural relations

By working closely with embassies, overseas educational and cultural organizations, it creates outstanding events throughout the year for the benefit of society.

The spirit of this Caribbean nation came to life in the heart of the UAE capital through the work of 33 of the islands leading artists.

14 CULTURAL EVENTS ADMAF Cultural Events joins local, national and international organisations to uphold Abu Dhabi as a prominent international cultural hub and facilitate bilateral cultural relations as well as dynamic cross-cultural dialogue. By working closely with embassies, overseas educational and cultural organizations, it creates outstanding events throughout the year for the benefit of society. A Carnival of Colour ADMAF joined the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in staging a large-scale exhibition, which formed part of a series of events to celebrate Dominican Republic Cultural Week. The spirit of this Caribbean nation came to life in the heart of the UAE capital through the work of 33 of the islands leading artists. In addition to student workshops held at Zayed University, proceeds from the exhibition went to the Walkabout Foundation, to assist relief efforts in neighbouring Haiti. Above: Celebrated musician Marcel Khalifé performs in Abu Dhabi in aid of the charity, A Child A Promise. Centre: Bass-Baritone José Van Dam brings Belgian culture to the UAE capital. Below: The Colours of the Dominican Republic exhibition at Ghaf Gallery. The Marriage of Music ADMAF's partnership with the Belgian music academy La Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth (CMRE) was inaugurated with a memorable performance under the patronage of HH Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, Wife of HH The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The acclaimed bass-baritone, José Van Dam was joined onstage by a selection of his students from the CMRE s Opera Studio as well as violinist and CMRE alumnus Lorenzo Gatto, Laureate of the Belgian Foundation for Young Soloists. The event, which was attended by HRH Princess Mathilde of Belgium, highlighted the musical genre of opera, which is generating growing interest across the Middle East, as the region continues to build its own repertoire.

15 It is a great honour to have been invited to the Abu Dhabi Festival. It is the crowning of a dream to bring Puccini with a complete opera to the Arab world. Massimiliano Simoni, Puccini Festival Opera La Bohème by Puccini Festival Opera. Abu Dhabi Festival 2010.

ABU DHABI FESTIVAL Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy

It aims to promote the unique role of music and arts in cross-cultural understanding and seeks to contribute to Abu Dhabi s vision as

Abu Dhabi Festival enjoys a highly acclaimed international reputation.

The festival also forges partnerships with similar events in other parts of the world.

16 ABU DHABI FESTIVAL Under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces Abu Dhabi Festival is the Emirate s premier annual celebration of artistic excellence. It aims to promote the unique role of music and arts in cross-cultural understanding and seeks to contribute to Abu Dhabi s vision as a global destination of cultural enlightenment, respect and tolerance. Abu Dhabi Festival enjoys a highly acclaimed international reputation. Each year, it unveils exciting new commissions as well as world premieres. The festival also forges partnerships with similar events in other parts of the world. In 2009, for example, Abu Dhabi Festival signed an historic agreement with Manchester International Festival to co-commission the Zaha Hadid Pavilion a dynamic, mobile, performance space. Above: (left) The Bolshoi Ballet performs 'Giselle', 2009; (right) José Carreras in concert, Below: (left) Hasmik Leyloyan, 2010; (right) Angela Gheorghiu and Jonas Kaufmann, 2009.

Artistic Innovation Abu Dhabi Festival provides a unique platform for world-class musical talent to meet and exchange.

In a festival commission and world premiere, the Iraqi-born oud master and founder of Beit Al Oud performed Niccolo Paganini s Caprice No.24 (Opus 1) with The Egyptian Philharmonic Society Orchestra.

Blending the Boundaries The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Festival in 2008 brought together three stars from both East and West in the presence of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and

The acclaimed Lebanese composer and soprano Hiba Al Kawas was accompanied by the Spanish guitarist José María Gallardo Del Rey and the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra.

17 Artistic Innovation Abu Dhabi Festival provides a unique platform for world-class musical talent to meet and exchange. Naseer Shamma took to the stage of the seventh Abu Dhabi Festival in 2010 with a highly ambitious vision. In a festival commission and world premiere, the Iraqi-born oud master and founder of Beit Al Oud performed Niccolo Paganini s Caprice No.24 (Opus 1) with The Egyptian Philharmonic Society Orchestra. The following evening, he surprised the festival audience by joining US jazz legend Wynton Marsalis for an impromptu performance on oud and trumpet; proof that music transcends borders beyond words. Blending the Boundaries The fifth edition of Abu Dhabi Festival in 2008 brought together three stars from both East and West in the presence of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Nazek Al Hariri, wife of the late Prime Minister of Lebanon. The acclaimed Lebanese composer and soprano Hiba Al Kawas was accompanied by the Spanish guitarist José María Gallardo Del Rey and the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra. The eclectic collection consisted of new works inspired by the music of Andalusia and the poetry of the Middle East; blending the glorious heritage and rich contemporary expression of the Arab world in arrangements that united three seemingly diverse styles in a single tour de force. Above: (left) Sir Colin Davis OBE conducts the London Symphony Orchestra in their Middle East debut in 2010; (right) Dia Al Azzawi takes visitors through his 2009 retrospective exhibition. Centre: Artist Nja Mahdaoui explains his work in Below: Hiba Al Kawas, José Maria Gallardo del Rey and the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra at Abu Dhabi Festival Modern Masters Each edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival consists of a large-scale exhibition of modern and contemporary visual arts from the Middle East and Arab world. By focusing on the work of pioneering artists, the festival celebrates the universality of artistic expression while highlighting the region s inspirational cultural heritage. Recent exhibitions and their accompanying catalogues have explored the careers of luminaries such as Nja Mahdaoui, Dia Al Azzawi, Parviz Tanavoli and Adam Henein. A rich programme of educational events ranging from guided tours, lectures, talks, debates and workshops, always accompanies each show. For more information, visit

Wynton Marsalis and Naseer Shamma perform Majesty of the Blues at Abu Dhabi Festival 2010.

18 Wynton Marsalis and Naseer Shamma perform Majesty of the Blues at Abu Dhabi Festival Playing with Naseer Shamma is what makes being a musician all the hours and years you spent practising and trying to be serious worth it. Wynton Marsalis, jazz musician

International Cartoon Art & Comic Strip Festival Above: Cartoon artist Mustafa Rahmeh. Cartoons and comic strips fuel the imagination.

From the age-old characters of comic books through to the latest animated films, the International Cartoon Art & Comic Strip Festival brings to

A diverse program of workshops, lectures, screenings, exhibition and special guest appearances enables children to go behind the scenes and come

19 International Cartoon Art & Comic Strip Festival Above: Cartoon artist Mustafa Rahmeh. Cartoons and comic strips fuel the imagination. Launched in 2007, this festival encourages children to unlock their hidden talent and expand the boundaries of artistic expression. From the age-old characters of comic books through to the latest animated films, the International Cartoon Art & Comic Strip Festival brings to life a unique and enduring art form. A diverse program of workshops, lectures, screenings, exhibition and special guest appearances enables children to go behind the scenes and come face-to-face with their favourite cartoons and comic strips. Through the festival's Young Talents Contest, talented young artists also get the chance to exhibit original stories and drawings. Centre: H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan attends the Festival. Below: Workshop for children.

20 Taking children on a voyage of discovery, and allowing them to really experience the joys of music, is one of the great pleasures of attending the Abu Dhabi Festival year after year. Matthew Barley, cellist Young Artists Day, Abu Dhabi Festival 2010.

21 AWARDS Rewarding Excellence. Celebrating Creativity. ADMAF Annual Creativity Award Established in 2004 to support young national talent from Abu Dhabi s universities including recent graduates in visual and performing arts, literature and film. The award is given to students who have demonstrated outstanding creativity in a project. ADMAF Young Art Critic of the Year Award An annual competition that highlights bright, young talent currently under-represented in the UAE media. It seeks to identify enthusiastic student writers who demonstrate excellent journalistic abilities in both Arabic and English by examining issues in culture and art. Abu Dhabi Festival Award Presented every year since 2004 to national university students who make a significant contribution to the Abu Dhabi Festival in the fields of film, writing or the visual arts. International Cartoon & Comic Strip Festival Awards Established in 2007 to raise awareness around this specific form of expressive communication. The awards for Best Scenario and Best Drawing seek to encourage creativity among Abu Dhabi s young nationals and residents.

22 GRANTS SCHEME ADMAF Grants Scheme seeks to empower cultural expression in the UAE. By providing financial assistance as well as skills support, it enables people (particularly Emiratis) to embark on artistic and cultural projects that would otherwise not be possible. ADMAF welcomes applications from individuals and organizations across the UAE, who seek to further artistic practice and add value to society through the arts and culture. For further information, please visit us online at Screening Success Filmmaking is a labour of love for Nujoom Al Ghanim, so ADMAF was delighted to support the Emirati filmmaker and poet on her project Al Mureed, which captures the life of the UAE's most respected Emirati Sufi Sheikh, the late Abdul Raheem Al Mureed. Since its release, the stunning documentary has received acclaim from the Gulf Film Festival, Emirates Film Competition, Dubai International Film Festival and has been screened at festivals throughout the world. By supporting the careers of filmmakers such as Al Ghanim, ADMAF is helping to develop the burgeoning UAE film market. THE NATIONALS GALLERY Emirati Artists' Resource & Register ADMAF is dedicated to supporting the development of indigenous, contemporary artistic expression in the UAE. In 2010, it launched a dedicated resource to provide access to information and support for established and emerging Emirati arts practitioners. Archive: An up-to-date resource of biographies, resumes, statements publications, and works by Emirati artists as well as information on arts services available across the world. Funding: A fund dedicated to providing financial support to emerging and established Emirati arts practitioners who wish to undertake postgraduate studies, independent research, exhibitions or installations. Advice: One-to-one sessions with ADMAF to help Emirati artists gain advice, information and contacts on the national, regional and international contemporary arts scenes. Platform: ADMAF creates opportunities for Emirati artists to network, debate and exhibit. Through its national and international partnerships, ADMAF will identify possibilities for solo or collective shows, both in the UAE and further afield. Nujoom Al Ghanim The ADMAF Art Collection Since its launch, ADMAF has been accumulating a collection of contemporary art from established and emerging practitioners from the UAE, Middle East and Arab world. Consisting of direct acquisitions, artist gifts and privately donated works, the collection seeks to raise awareness and understanding around Middle Eastern artistic practice nationally and internationally through exhibitions, publications, and temporary museum loans.

23 PARTNERS ADMAF works with a growing number of local, regional and international partners every year. It enjoys official relationship with: New York University Abu Dhabi Manchester International Festival La Chapelle Musicale Reine Elisabeth Fondazione Arena di Verona The Future Centre for Special Needs HCT (Abu Dhabi Men s College) HCT (Abu Dhabi Women s College) UAE University Zayed University Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minor Affairs ADMAF is a member of the International Council for Traditional Music, and the European Festivals Association. ADMAF seeks to contribute to the cultural vision of Abu Dhabi and works closely with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH), Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi (OBAD), Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) as well as private companies. ORGANISATION Patron & President H.E. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research Honourable Patrons H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan - H.H. Sheikha Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan Founder & Director H.E. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo Advisors H.E. Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash H.E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh H.E. Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei H.E. Noura Al Kaabi H.E. Razan Al Mubarak H.E. Reem Al Shemari Princess Irina of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Ian Stoutzker OBE Terence D. Allen Saeed Al Balushi Salem Brahimi Mary Corrado Bashir Al Haskouri Frauke Heard-Bey Mohammed A. L. Kanoo Shaikha Al Maskari Zahra Al Masood Legal Counsel Raymond Mouracade, Jurisgulf Auditor Ernst & Young Bank National Bank of Abu Dhabi

24 CONTACT Office Floor 3, The Kanoo Building Najda/6th Street P.O. Box 245 Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Telephone Fax admfauh@emirates.net.ae Websites

THE GULF CAPITAL ABU DHABI FESTIVAL VISUAL ARTS AWARD 2016

THE GULF CAPITAL ABU DHABI FESTIVAL VISUAL ARTS AWARD 2016 ABOUT THE ABU DHABI FESTIVAL Patron: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation Established