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Reinforcing its commitment to cultural education in the community, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) hosted a series of unique artistic experiences for students this month, including a lecture series with world renowned artist, Christo, and the continuation of the Wednesday Wonders workshops for children with special needs.
From February 7 – 13, the acclaimed artist, Christo, returned to Abu Dhabi for a series of lectures at universities across the Emirate. In this powerful lecture and audience exchange, Christo brought to life his previous projects through engaging descriptions and amazing visuals from his personal archive. He also discussed two works in progress, Over the River and The Mastaba.
“My relationship with Abu Dhabi began during my first visit to the Emirate in 1979,” said Christo “I am delighted to work alongside ADMAF on this project and I will continue to revisit the capital for its people, culture and the opportunity it provides me to inspire students of art.”
Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, said: “For years, Christo has created monumental works around the world that promote shared experiences for audiences of all ages and nationalities whilst challenging and questioning people’s notion of art. We are honored to host this tremendous visionary who continues to support Abu Dhabi’s art and culture programs. Our friendship with Christo further advances the vision of ADMAF, which seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision.”
Together with his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, Christo created some of the most ambitious, impressive and beautiful large scale works in the history of art. Often several decades in the making, these works present audiences with a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience something truly extraordinary.
The series of lectures took place at the Al Yasmina School, Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Abu Dhabi (male and female campuses), Zayed University (male campus) and HCT Madinat Zayed female campus. Christo’s lecture at Qatr El Nada School, Western Region was attended by H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al-Khaili, Director General of Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC).
February also saw the completion of the Wednesday Wonders workshops organized by ADMAF and START. For four weeks, students from Special Care Center, Zayed Higher Organization, New England Center, and Ability Development Center took part in a pottery design workshop, where they learned how to bind clay and paint their creations. Following this, students learned print design, by decorating paper with colorful shapes dipped in paint. On February 15, students exhibited their creations to parents and teachers at the Talents and Creativity Center, Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism & Culture.
Her Excellency Mrs. Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, commented: “Our goal at ADMAF is to foster a culture of creativity and understanding through our relationships with exemplary organizations such as START. Every child has the right to self-expression, to be heard and acknowledged either verbally, in writing or through artistic expression, which is why we strive to provide experiences that enrich the lives of young people with skills they can be proud of.”
Launched in May 2007 by Art Dubai and Al Madad Foundation, START organizes drawing and painting workshops and exhibitions that deliver practical arts education to children with special needs.
ADMAF’s partnerships with Christo and START exemplify the foundation’s long-term commitment to cultural and artistic education in the community for the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s talented youth.
Further information can be found at: www.admaf.org/
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