Art Dubai (formerly the DIFC Gulf Art Fair) launched Collectors’ Circle in Cairo, Egypt. 

The latest venture aims to further contribute to the cultural development of the Middle East’s arts community.

It is aimed at both seasoned and new collectors of contemporary art in the Middle East   and will include an annual programme of worldwide events. By-invitation membership in the programme will be initially limited to 200 places, said an official spokesman.

As well as providing investment strategies and guidelines, the Collectors’ Circle inaugural event is a two-day conference on ‘Art Patronage in the Business Age’ taking place at the DIFC on March 17 and 18, 2008.

“Art Dubai sees the role of the collector as pivotal in establishing a successful contemporary art scene in the Middle East. The Collectors' Circle is a unique programme of events tailored specifically for those private individuals and corporations wishing to become more involved with the region's vibrant and growing art scene,” said fair director of Art Dubai John Martin.

“Our initial two-day conference in March 2008 will be held to show ways in which collectors and companies can actively work as patrons of contemporary art and the benefits that this provides: both as an investment and in creating strong brand identity. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse arts community, Cairo is the ideal location to launch Art Dubai’s Collectors’ Circle,” Martin added.

In addition to the inaugural Art Dubai Collectors’ Circle conference taking place during the fair, there will be several other dedicated Collectors’ Circle events from March 17 to 22, including private brunches with prominent collectors, a consultancy service to privately tour the fair with independent art advisors, and exclusive viewings of the fair and its outlying events.

While in Egypt, Art Dubai garnered support for the Collectors’ Circle from Cairo-based Townhouse Gallery, which participated in the 2007 fair and has confirmed its presence for Art Dubai 2008. 

In addition to increasing its profile as one of the Middle East’s leading independent spaces for contemporary art during the fair, Townhouse Gallery directors also believe that Art Dubai’s Collectors’ Circle will increase awareness about the non-profit arts activities being created throughout the region.
Martin will drum up further support for Art Dubai’s Collectors’ Circle at events in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as internationally.

The second edition of Art Dubai brings more than 70 galleries from 30 countries for a contemporary art fair that sets out to be as diverse as it is original. – TradeArabia News Service