Art Dubai has launched the Art Week Education Programme, providing opportunities for young people in the UAE to get involved in contemporary art and design.

A new series of monthly seminars will begin at the Pavilion in Downtown Dubai, on December 4, as part of the fair’s continual efforts to grow art audiences, support local talent, and provide educational opportunities for local-based students and graduates.

Art Week, which is set to be held from March 15 to 25, 2012, is an umbrella initiative that includes new gallery exhibitions and artists’ projects, fairs, performances and major museum shows, taking place across the UAE and the Gulf to coincide with Art Dubai.

The aim of the new seminar is to offer participants an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of contemporary art and design; meet like-minded students, graduates and enthusiasts; and the chance to apply for a place on the Art Week Internship Programme.

The seminars take the form of a series of talks and workshops by leaders within the field.

Once a month, from December to March, attendees will have access to experts sharing their knowledge, insights and practical advice. The seminar will also be an opportunity to network with the speakers, like-minded students, graduates and individuals.

It will cover a wide range of topics; from an introduction to Art Week and the internship programme, gallery management and exhibition-making, foundations and the not-for-profit sector, artists’ residencies, and the contemporary design industry.

Talks will be given by industry key figures, gallery owners, educators, previous interns and artists, and will also target potential interns and on-site fair assistants.

“These programmes have been designed to offer students, graduates and arts enthusiasts a chance to actively participate in successful international fairs, immerse themselves in the local cultural community and engage with artists, gallerists, curators, filmmakers and other visionaries,” said Antonia Carver, fair director, Art Dubai.

“Our foremost ambition is to create a platform where local participants can create and exchange ideas and play an interactive role as the region’s art sector develops,” he said.

Art Dubai’s internship programme was initiated in September 2007 and since then over 300 students and recent graduates from 40 nationalities and 18 educational institutions have participated in the scheme and gone on to find further work experience opportunities and permanent placements within Art Dubai and its partner organisations. – TradeArabia News Service