Indian Embassy to Set up Indo-UAE Art Forum
Mar 31, 2009
Source: Khaleej Times

The Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi plans to set up an Indo-UAE Art Forum, to encourage Emirati and Indian artists to work together.

In a move to strengthen bonds between the Indian and Emirati community, the embassy will hold a series of cultural programmes in 2009, including a painting exhibition by young Indian women artists living in the Gulf at the Dubai Ladies Club from May 1-9.

Indian Ambassador to the UAE Talmiz Ahmad said the joint exhibition will be a unique and first of its kind event in the region with a curator selecting
the paintings.

“The exhibition will be only of women artists, because I have just explored the UAE ethos which has inspired artistic expression. Now, I want to showcase how women express themselves through paintings here, particularly, the Indian women artists in the Gulf region”, said Ahmad.

“Not every woman artist can participate in the event. We will select their work. I have a curator who will do this work for me. I want to do interesting things. Everybody does commercial shows. But I crave to explore things, which have not been explored before. I long to bring new, unknown artists,” 
he added.

Other events planned include an exhibition of the finest Indian art in the last 60 years and an exclusive India Trade Fair in December.

A Saarc (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) cricket match on May 15, and a painting exhibition and fashion show will be the
other highlights. Recently, the Indian ambassador’s wife, Sunita Mainee Ahmad, hosted an Indian fashion show, which was attended by over 80 Emirati women among the 200 plus guests.

“It was our effort to reach out to the Emiratis by showcasing Indian art and culture to women,” Ahmad said.