• Creative hub brings together local experts H.E. Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi and H.E. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh to discuss the role of art in cultural diplomacy
  The panel discussion is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, 17 April, 2018 at 7pm

Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Minister of State are set to be guest speakers in a panel discussion on the role of art in cultural diplomacy at local creative hub Warehouse421. The ‘Art of Cultural Diplomacy’ talk, which is in partnership with the National Pavilion UAE – La Biennale di Venzia will be held on Tuesday, 17 April and moderated by writer and commentator Mishaal Al Gergawi.

The discussion will explore the role of art as a key facet of the UAE’s approach to cultural diplomacy in forging closer ties with people and nations around the world. Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, commented “Despite being a relatively recent term, the practice of cultural diplomacy has existed for centuries. For the UAE, its first stages were initiated by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father, in order to strengthen the nation's position by building a cultural image that was honourable and beneficial in the minds of other societies. The exchange of thoughts and values has been instrumental in bridging the gap between people of different cultures.”

She added: “Art, in particular, has a vital role to play, as it has the capability to transcend language barriers and increase understanding by communicating concepts beyond words.”

Each of the panel members will draw upon their considerable experience as leaders in the field, sharing their expert knowledge and shedding light on this fascinating topic. His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Minister of State, said “The UAE has been engaging in cultural diplomacy as a means to develop stronger connections with nations around the world for many years, an approach pioneered by the late Sheikh Zayed during his frequent trips abroad. As we know, our nation has benefitted greatly from these efforts and continues to do so. I look forward to participating in what will be a fascinating discussion.”

Open to both the artists and the wider community, ‘The Art of Cultural Diplomacy’ discussion represents part of Warehouse421’s ongoing efforts to uncover evolutionary perspectives on art and culture, which seek to inspire an on-going dialogue that contributes to public discourse. Faisal Al Hassan, Manager of Warehouse421, said “We are delighted to host this discussion and look forward to welcoming our panellists, whose rich experience and extensive knowledge guarantees an insightful and highly beneficial evening for professional artists and the general public alike.”

Visitors to Warehouse421 can find an example of cultural diplomacy in action at the gallery’s current exhibition, “Untold Stories, Retold”, which showcases the National Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates participation at la Biennale di Venezia. Held in Venice, Italy, this annual gathering of nations is at the forefront of the world’s contemporary art and architecture movements. The UAE has hosted a national exhibition in the Venice Biennale’s International Art Exhibition since 2009 and its International Architecture Exhibition since 2014. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, the National Pavilion UAE is commissioned by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation.

Faisal Al Hassan continued, “Our ‘Untold Stories Retold’ exhibition highlights the importance of the National Pavilion’s work, which enriches cultural dialogue between the UAE and the international community. Art is a potent medium for the communication of ideas and remains a vital component of cross-cultural dialogue. Warehouse421 will continue to promote and encourage local creatives, whose work helps foster greater understanding between nations through dynamic exchanges of art and culture. This is the very essence of cultural diplomacy.”