Art galleries deserve a prominent place in region’s cities

 

When it comes to the cartography of the arts world, we are always lured by those cities that value artists and their masterful endeavors. Our wanderlust is not sated until our itineraries sparkle with art galleries that leave us profoundly transformed long after our visits. Even more, art galleries are abodes for our collective memories and experiences, instilling in our psyches the ability to commune with others over universal themes and meanings that are elemental to our existence. We leave art galleries with a sort of rejuvenation, being more self-reflective after immersing ourselves in the abundance of beauty around us, and feeling imbued with a sense of elegance. Considering the collective benefits of the arts, local communities can easily report higher levels of well-being by immersing in artistic experiences. It is why art galleries deserve a prominent presence in our cities.

Many cities are vying to be classified as “creative cities” — essentially being hustling hubs that provide a fantastic menu of arts-related offerings for the creative class and cultural tourists. Florence scores high when it comes to aesthetic ideals, with numerous art galleries that leave us in a state of solemn appreciation and marvel. The Uffizi Gallery, for example, houses timeless paintings from the 14th century and Renaissance period by a number of art masters, such as Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo and Caravaggio. On the other hand, Tokyo is brimming with an enviable portfolio of art galleries and museums that showcase contemporary artworks by local, regional and international creatives. The Mori Art Museum, situated in the bustling Roppongi Hills, is currently showcasing a “Happy Spring” exhibition by a venerable artistic collective, highlighting thought-provoking renditions on cities, consumerism, media, stardom and modern society — nuanced by the unique Japanese culture.

Art galleries are gaining prominence in the Arab region, with a bevy of up-and-coming and renowned galleries making their way to Middle Eastern audiences. In recent years, for example, we have witnessed numerous prestigious galleries open up and expand across several Arab countries, from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon to Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. On top of that, arts aficionados have been lured to spectacular homegrown art exhibitions and fairs. Dubai Art Season is this month running its 15th edition with events such as the Sikka Art & Design Festival, Art Dubai and World Art Dubai. Saudi Arabia’s foray into the arts scene is opening up worlds of wonderful artistic expression, fusing traditional works with more contemporary pieces. One of the pivotal arts projects launched in the Kingdom is the Riyadh Art project, which aims to transform the city into a living art gallery, with more than 1,000 public art installations across the city expressing its unique spirit and culture.

Seeing the powerful effects the arts world has on our lives, it is important that the Middle East paves the way for the emergence of more art galleries, artistic hubs and creative spaces. Governments can establish national art galleries that showcase prominent historical and modern artworks as part of their collections. In fact, focusing on building coveted national collections should be a pivotal aspect of any government’s strategy as it forays into the art world. Doing so will ensure local communities have access to world-class artworks — a practice already witnessed with the opening of prominent gallery and museum branches in the Arab region, such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Focusing on building coveted national collections should be a pivotal aspect of any government’s strategy as it forays into the art world.

Sara Al-Mulla

Publishing standards on the management of art galleries within the context of local societies would ensure they operate at world-class standards and deliver on their inherent goals. Financial backing can be secured in the form of public funding or subsidies, in addition to donations and grants from individuals, trusts, corporations and foundations. Robust marketing campaigns and a strong digital presence are also critical for art galleries as they seek to access a wider audience and lure visitors.

For art galleries to thrive, it is imperative that policies are designed to create audiences that will be engaged with the arts world. Embedding arts-related activities and subjects within school curricula will cultivate lifelong enthusiasts who will go on to produce or appreciate artistic works. Many prominent art galleries organize dedicated outreach programs for school-age children with the aim of piquing their interests and honing their artistic skills. For example, the National Gallery in London organizes a number of activities for children, such as tours and storytelling sessions focused on prominent paintings that are displayed in the gallery, as well as practical workshops to enhance creativity skills. Teachers can also use the internet to access lots of resources revolving around the arts, such as art tutorial videos, notes focusing on famous paintings and professional development sessions.

A local artistic talent base should be cultivated via professional university-level arts degrees or vocational training. Furthermore, training professionals in the arts can ensure the sector has skilled workforces. Roles include art gallery managers, collection curators, archivists, art conservators and arts educators.

Engagement must be at the heart of galleries’ programming. Many established art galleries across the globe lure visitors time again by hosting unique exhibitions, offering thought-provoking educational or skills-based workshops for the public, organizing talks and seminars about prominent works or buying artworks, inviting renowned artists, and hosting live performances. Forging strategic partnerships with international art galleries will translate into exchanges of collections so that universal artistic messages can travel far and wide, ensuring cultural understanding and shared meanings. After a memorable visit to an art gallery or museum, a detour to the treasure trove in the gift shop allows us to bring some spirit of the day back to our homes, such as in the form of thematic art books, art prints, puzzles of famous paintings or stationery.

By putting in place ambitious policies focused on inspiring the arts sector, we can experience its powers of social transformation, economic productivity and urban allure.

• Sara Al-Mulla is an Emirati civil servant with an interest in human development policy and children’s literature. She can be contacted at www.amorelicious.com.