All you need to know about Abu Dhabi’s first biennial

The first edition of Abu Dhabi’s Biennial, themed “Public Matter,” will open on November 15 and run until April 30, 2025  A key element of the Department’s Public Art initiative, the Biennial will span Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with performances and art installations by over 70 UAE-based and international artists, exploring what it means to be “public” in the context of the city. Launched by DCT Abu Dhabi in March 2023, Biennial forms one of three pillars in the larger Public Art initiative.

The Biennial’s theme, “Public Matter,” explores the defining elements of public spaces in Abu Dhabi, focusing on the interplay of environmental factors, community life, traditions, architecture, and urban planning. In a region where the natural surroundings often determine where, when, and how people gather, the exhibition invites reflection by showcasing work that highlights how communities interact with and experience public spaces.

Among the artists being featured are Allora & Calzadilla, Arquitectura Expandida, Christopher Joshua Benton, Farah Al Qasimi, guBuyoBand, Hashel Al Lamki, Kabir Mohanty, Khalil Rabah, Oscar Murillo, Radhika Khimji, Sammy Baloji, Tarik Kiswanson, Wael Al Awar, Zeinab Alhashemi, and more.

Their work will transform public spaces across the city with projects such as Arquitectura Expandida’s “Urban Negotiation,” which will create a new urban landscapes with narratives that consider design and construction of self-built mobile furniture. Farah Al Qasimi’s auditory sculpture will urge passersby to interact with its sound and consider the ocean’s significance in the region. Oscar Murillo’s 80-meter-long canvas will extend across 1% of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, examining the city’s growing urbanisation. Christopher Joshua Benton will turn the Carpet Souq into a vibrant social place, while Zeinab Alhashemi will pay tribute to Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Terminal, inviting visitors to investigate the relationship between urban progress and nature’s resilience.

Sharing his vision, DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said, “We are launching the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial as part of our wider cultural vision, providing a unique platform for our community to both appreciate our cultural heritage and be inspired by contemporary art. It also reflects our commitment to supporting creatives in Abu Dhabi, the global south, and the rest of the world through flagship art programs. Taking over key sites in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain, the Biennial will further position the emirate as a centre for culture and creativity and ensure transformative, inclusive, and accessible art encounters are available to both our residents and visitors.”

Rita Aoun, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector Executive Director, added, “The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial embodies the essence of Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage, inviting our community to engage with the city’s history, aesthetics, and societal values through diverse artistic expressions. Our public art initiatives foster the collective cultural identity of the emirate, enhancing the experience of art for everyone and strengthening our residents’ sense of pride. Our goal is for everyone in Abu Dhabi, whether resident or visitor, to forge their own connection with the city, inspired by the unique stories and creativity of our artists.”

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