Warehouse421 launches range of online creative programming

Warehouse421, the arts and design centre in Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi has launched its virtual experience and online programme.

The programme enables audiences to remotely engage with regional narratives in art and design. It features a series of video lessons, podcasts, book readings, community talks and curatorial tours.

Warehouse421 conversations launched its first episode, ‘Art and Artists in Times of Disruption’, on 25 March. It tackled the current interruptions in the local art ecosystem and how arts livelihoods can continue during times of disruption. The podcast is available through the Warehouse421 website, YouTube channel and Spotify. It will also soon be accessible through all podcast platforms.

Faisal Al Hassan, Manager of Warehouse421, said: “Learning and artistic experiment is at the heart of Warehouse421’s mission. We wanted to provide an avenue for the creative community to engage with art and design while they are social-distancing.

“We hope regional creatives can continue to develop artistic practices, connect, and engage with art and design in new ways.”

A full programme in April

In April, the digital programme will continue to engage with members of the Warehouse421 community. It will share their tips on staying well, connected and productive when social distancing.

Creative practitioners will be able to watch video workshops on pattern-making, sewing and jewellery making and designing. The public can also watch curatorial overviews of the space’s current exhibitions.

Today, audiences will be able to tune into Munira AlSayegh and Hashel Al Lamki. They will discuss the curatorial themes spanning ‘The Cup and The Saucer’, the centre’s current exhibition. On 5 April, curator Murtaza Vali will speak about ‘The Stonebreakers’. The show was inspired by the importance of maritime trade to the port cities of the Arabian Gulf.

Warehouse421’s digital initiative will continue with an April podcast episode featuring artist Hashel Al Lamki and curator Munira Al Sayegh. The Monday Meeting, moderated by Sara Bin Safwan, is a cornerstone of the development process behind ‘The Cup and The Saucer’.

For more information on Warehouse421’s public programming, please visit the ‘What’s On’ section of the centre’s website.