It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for the UAE’s art and culture scene. The long-awaited Louvre Abu Dhabi is finally open to the public, Art Abu Dhabi has officially started, and Alserkal Avenue has an array of new exhibitions to start off the UAE art season. And this is only the start as winter descends on the Emirates with more art exhibitions, initiatives, and talks planned in and around UAE. This is obviously great news for art enthusiasts. However, there are many of us who know that art is a worthwhile activity to take part in but unfortunately we don’t do that. That’s why I have Maan Jalal, an arts, culture, and entertainment aficionado here to educate us more on why we should be paying more attention to UAE art galleries.

The Mysteries of Art

According to Jalal, Art can be mysterious and bizarre. Galleries (not necessarily UAE art galleries) and museums can also be strange and intimidating places, especially if you don’t frequent them often. So why should we not engage ourselves and our families in this long time social practice of visiting UAE art galleries and museums on the weekends? What are the benefits?

Well, here are 5 simple reasons to engage with UAE art galleries

Create Experiences

Did you know that most UAE art galleries are free? While museums entrance fees are minimal compared to what you get in return. When you enter an art gallery or museum you’re invited to have an experience. You are literally swept up into an era, a world, a story that is far removed from yourself and your own experiences. Whether educational, inspiring or interesting you’ll definitely be leaving with an experience to remember.

Smarten Up

Think of galleries and museums like a living and breathing book or even a movie. Each room or space you enter, each artwork or artifact you look at is part of a larger story. It all should be explained to you in a cohesive manner to give you an insight into an idea or era. This type of visual experience over a period of time not only entertains you and helps to develop your aptitude for empathy but will naturally make you smarter.

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Inspire Yourself

It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you do, it’s almost impossible to walk through a gallery or museum and not leave feeling inspired. Ask anyone who is a frequent gallery or museum visitor and they’ll tell you that there is always one piece of work or one exhibition that inspired them to be better, do better or learn more. Why would you not want to be inspired?

Be Proud

The UAE has managed to build a growing and vibrant infrastructure within the arts and culture sector over the last decade. This is definitely an achievement worth celebrating. For the first time in a long time, Arab and Middle Eastern artists from the region and abroad now have a platform where their work is accessible to a diverse range of people. Being part of that movement isn’t only imperative but it’s exciting that we might be witnessing the rise of artists whose work will be celebrated for generations to come.

Bridge the Cultural Gap

Now more than ever, it’s important for us to be able to communicate with cultures and countries that are completely different than our own. Art and culture have a long history in building cultural bridges with the rest of the world. It really is our duty living here to support the local arts scene by simply showing up and experiencing the exhibitions on display in UAE art galleries and museums.

xoxo