Q&A with Asma Al Sharif, the Assistant Vice President of World Art Dubai

World Art Dubai 2024 will be held from May 2nd to May 5th. Find more information about the event and this years programme here. 

This year marks the 10th anniversary for the fair. Please share about the path that the organisation has taken until now and how you foresee the future of the event. Are there any new focuses you'd like to highlight in the next decade?

Over the past decade, World Art Dubai has evolved into the region’s largest contemporary art fair, a dynamic platform where art and culture converge on a grand scale. From showcasing a few hundred artworks in our initial stages, we now exhibit over 10,000 pieces from more than 65 countries. Looking ahead, our focus for the next decade is to further enhance the inclusivity and diversity of our offerings, welcoming even more countries and building on our current offering of 12 country pavilions.

On of the focal points for the fair so far has been to make art accessible to wider audiences, both in terms of visitibily and also pricing. Please elaborate on why this has been an important aspect for you?

Making art accessible has been a fundamental part of our mission.

Additionally, many are unaware that art can be a valuable investment. By making artworks more accessible, we aim to educate and open up opportunities for more people to invest in art, benefiting both financially and culturally. It’s about breaking down barriers and creating a space where art is approachable, enjoyable, and seen as a viable investment option for everyone.

How would you describe the current state of the art market in Dubai?

Dubai's art market is currently experiencing vibrant growth, driven by both local and international demand. The city's strategic position as a cultural hub in the Middle East, combined with significant investments in the arts, has attracted a wealth of talent and creativity. Our thriving country nurtures a dynamic market where traditional and contemporary art forms from across the world can prosper. Thanks to initiatives like the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy, we're seeing an increased interest in a variety of art forms, elevating Dubai's status as a global center for culture and creativity.

World Art Dubai is part of Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy that aims to transform Dubai into a global hub for culture and creativity. How has the implementation of the strategy impacted your work and the fair?

The implementation of Dubai's Creative Economy Strategy has been hugely support for World Art Dubai. Our mission aligns perfectly with the strategy's goals to double the number of creative companies and creators in the emirate by 2026. This policy framework has enabled us to expand our reach and enhance our offerings, thus significantly impacting our work and the scale of the fair. We've incorporated more diverse artistic expressions and expanded our global reach, ensuring that each edition of World Art Dubai is more enriching than the last.

Can you give some examples of how you see World Art Dubai is influencing the cultural identity of the city?

World Art Dubai plays a pivotal role in shaping the cultural identity of the city. Through our diverse range of artworks and international pavilions, we provide a platform for cultural exchange and dialogue. This not only enriches the local art scene but also ensures that Dubai's cultural fabric is continuously woven with diverse, global threads. Our efforts help position Dubai as a reflective and inclusive artistic hub.

What practices have you incorporated to support local artists? And how do you foster international collaborations between creative professionals?

We are deeply committed to supporting local artists by providing them platforms to showcase their work alongside international names and gain visibility in the global market. To encourage international collaborations, we facilitate interactions and partnerships through curated art talks, workshops, and live performances. These initiatives are designed to inspire creativity and open doors to new opportunities for artists worldwide. 

Turning to the upcoming edition of World Art Dubai - what has been the focus while programming the selection this year?

This year, as we mark the 10th edition of World Art Dubai, our programming showcases a wide range of contemporary art with over 4,000 artworks from more than 65 countries. We are presenting a diverse array of cultural perspectives designed to engage both seasoned collectors and new art enthusiasts to immerse themselves in art from all around the world.

Is there anything from the programme you'd specifically like to highlight?

As always, we have a wide range of talk, workshops and live art performances that are all included in admission. Whether you're a seasoned collector, a budding artist, or simply someone with a passion for creativity, the programme of World Art Dubai 2024 promises an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, discovery, and endless possibilities.