Schools and Universities
Abu Dhabi Art expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair in placing emphasis on a diverse student engagement programme. This includes art installations, exhibitions, tours, and workshops that take place in different locations throughout the year at Manarat Al Saadiyat, and cultural heritage sites in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Manarat Al Saadiyat and Al Ain Sites
On-site tours and art activities
Abu Dhabi Art organises group tours for schools, colleges and universities. Along with the tour, groups have the option to conduct a hands-on art workshop related to the exhibition. Manarat Al Saadiyat and Al Ain sites: • Wednesday November 16 | 9:00am – 1:00pm • Thursday November 17 | 9:00am – 1:00pm • Friday November 18 | 9:00am – 1:00pm • November 28 – January 22, 2023 | Daily tours upon request Tours led by commissioned artists in Al Ain (university groups): • Tuesday 15 November |10:00am – 12:00pm
Teacher Events
An introduction to Abu Dhabi Art for K-12 teachers along with complementary educational materials and activities. Virtual session (all subject teachers welcome): Tuesday October 18 | 11:00am (Arabic) Tuesday October 18 | 12:00pm (English) In-person workshop (art teachers only): Wednesday October 26 | 5:00pm – 6:00pm Art Studio, Manarat Al Saadiyat
Volunteering Programme
Abu Dhabi Art is looking for volunteers to support the fair and its diverse programme, which includes local, regional and international galleries, masterclasses, commissioned artworks, installations and site-specific works. We are looking for motivated and energetic individuals who are enthusiastic about Abu Dhabi’s art scene! Volunteers will have the option to support Abu Dhabi Art as tour guides or workshop assistants. If you are keen to develop your work experience in the contemporary arts industry, enhance your public speaking and communication skills, and assist in areas that utilise your skill-set and expertise then... Volunteers must be: • UAE nationals and residents • Aged 18 and above • Available to volunteer on two or more days of the fair • Passionate about art!
Art + Tech
An annual community programme that launched in 2017. The programme invites established artists from around the world to Khalifa University to collaborate with technology students in a series of summer workshops. These workshops introduce art to students majoring in topics as diverse as the study of aerospace and biomedical engineering. Many of them have an interest in art but have never had the opportunity to study it. The programme strives to bridge the gap between art and technology in their studies.
Pavilion Prize
The Abu Dhabi Art Pavilion Prize was launched in 2017, inviting university students from across the United Arab Emirates to develop architectural proposals for a Pavilion. Each year, the winning design is realised at Abu Dhabi Art and seen by thousands of visitors to the fair. It is conceived as a temporary structure that remains during the week of the art fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat, with the potential to be re-purposed or re-located. The first prize winner is awarded AED 10,00, and the second prize winner is awarded AED 5,000.