‘Explore Your World’ from 19 – 21 November, 2015

Audiences invited to be part of art and culture celebrations through workshops and performances from industry experts and award winning musicians

Leading up to the launch of Warehouse421, a curated programme is set to entice, invite and engage Abu Dhabi’s community to explore the worlds of art and design. The weekend event from November 19-21 introduces the newest cultural venue with a programme of events suited for all ages and interests featuring exhibitions, workshops and performances, complemented by novel dining options to further celebrate all senses.

“Upholding The Foundation’s commitment in supporting the arts sector in Abu Dhabi, Warehouse421 will create a space for emerging artists, create more awareness about art, as well as cultural and heritage programs” says Khulood Al Atiyat, Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager at the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation. “Given the growing cultural dialogue here, the events from November 19 will introduce visitors to explore these various worlds of creative expression and in turn create dynamic spaces for all audiences.”

WORKSHOPS           With an aim to make art and design more accessible to the general public, a series of hands-on creative workshops will be led by industry experts for children and adults, students and industry specialists. Covering a variety of subjects, participants can learn more on print-making through the Mix & Match Abu Dhabi workshop led by Studio Kawakeb (Lebanon) where participants will create various compositions on tote-bags from pre-made illustrations in the form of stamps related to the urban landscapes of Abu Dhabi and Mina Zayed. Through the workshop Draw & Stitch, participants take part in a craft oriented workshop led by Ola Dajani of Vinny Dolls (UAE), where they create and can keep their dolls inspired by famous figures from the art, design and fashion world. Product Designer Younes Duret (Morocco) will lead A Vernacular Story workshop open to design professionals and students. With a tour of the Mina Zayed area and talk, selected participants will use found materials to sketch, experiment and explore ideas for products.

PERFORMANCES    World-class musicians and a variety of performances celebrating music from around the globe will perform daily from November 19-21. With stage acts by award-winning musicians, the dhow yard in Mina Zayed sets the perfect platform for these artists, creating a backdrop of tradition and culture. Alongside the main performances, Warehouse421 will also present various Urban Acts that will take place in different locations throughout the day.

CRATIVE MARKET  A dedicated area will celebrate 22 artists and designers from the Middle East and other parts of the world, in a hip and dynamic setting, specifically created for Warehouse421’s launch event. The Creative Market will feature various art and design disciplines, from jewelry to furniture to product and graphic design by Abjad Design, Aljoud Lootah, Architecture + Other Things, Bil Arabi, Carlo Massoud, Etqaan, Ghassan Salameh, Hey Studio, Khaled El Mays, Khaled Shafar, MadeByNative, Mariam Mourabit, Naqsh Collective, Niloufar Afnan, Sayar&Garibeh, Silsal Design House, Taher Asad-Bakhtiari, Younes Duret, Visionaire, in addition to FBMI, National Pavilion United Arab Emirates (UAE) Biennale di Venezia, and Tashkeel.

GASTRONOMY        A number of cuisine options will be on offer over the weekend around the Warehouse421 area from familiar names and novel food trucks.

Previewing during the weekend launch will be key exhibitions held in Warehouse421, which explore themes of memory and transformation relevant in the growth and establishment in the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Lest We Forget: Emirati Family Photographs 1950-1999 will go on until 18 June 2016,1:100 The warehouse reimagined and Mina Zayed: Through the Lens of Jack Burlot until 19 March 2016, and Art: Process & Practice for two months until 23 January 2016.