The eleventh edition of Art Dubai opened its doors on Wednesday with its largest and most international edition till date, said the event organisers.

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the new leadership of Fair director Myrna Ayad and International Director Pablo del Val, this year’s fair will have several new galleries and countries participating for the first time, alongside ambitious new elements to the programming.

Featuring 94 galleries from 43 countries, with 27 galleries attending for the first time, Art Dubai continues its mandate to offer unrivaled access to art from across the globe, reinforcing its position as the world’s most globally diverse art fair as well as the preeminent platform for the regional art scene, they stated.

Art Dubai continues its mandate to offer unrivaled access to art from across the globe, reinforcing its position as the world’s most globally diverse art fair as well as the preeminent platform for the regional art scene.

This year, Art Dubai Contemporary will feature 79 galleries spread across its two gallery halls, including a selection of 30+ galleries focusing on solo or two-artist exhibitions. Art Dubai Modern, now in its fourth edition, continues to be the only platform dedicated to showcasing museum-quality works by Modern masters from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

“Visitors will see more tightly curated exhibitions in the gallery halls this year,” said del Val.

“The presentations are split between solo or two-artist exhibitions, allowing a more focused contemplation; and multi-artist shows, enabling an overview of different works. In addition, we are introducing new galleries and countries to the fair this year, with our highest-ever number of galleries from Latin America, and galleries from Algeria, Peru and Uruguay attending for the first time,” he noted.

Further highlights of this year’s programming include the unveiling of Rana Begum's winning work for the ninth edition of the Abraaj Group Art Prize; the eleventh edition of Art Dubai's critically-acclaimed Global Art Forum, titled Trading Places, and exploring the way trade shapes – and reshapes – the world; a Surrealist dining experience realized by Beirut-based art collective Atfal Ahdath at The Room; an interactive installation by Moroccan-born, Brooklyn-based artist Meriem Bennani at the Art Dubai Bar; a series of specially commissioned performances taking place during the fair; as well as a Modern Symposium, comprising a series of talks celebrating the cultural impact of 20th century Modern masters from the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

“Through its year-round activities, educational initiatives and artist commissions, Art Dubai aims to redefine what an art fair can be,” said Ayad.

“In addition to welcoming new galleries and representative countries in our gallery halls this year, we continuously grow our programming, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of our hometown Dubai, and contributing to its cultural landscape.”

Art Dubai is held in partnership with The Abraaj Group. The fair is sponsored by Julius Baer, Meraas and Piaget. Madinat Jumeirah is home to the event.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is a strategic partner of Art Dubai and supports the fair’s year-round education programme.-TradeArabia News Service