SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The National Library and Archives (NLA) has wrapped up the first edition of its project x71, an initiative that transformed heritage into a living, community-wide celebration of culture and creativity.
Launched in February 2025, the project invited students, artists, creators, institutions, government entities, and the rest of the community to express the UAE's cultural identity in innovative and artistic creations. Drawing inspiration from historical documents, archival materials, and traditional tools, participants were encouraged to reimagine heritage around the theme "Jewellery and Adornment".
The goal was to curate 71 standout works capturing the community's collective vision and showcase these pieces across physical and virtual exhibitions.
But the response exceeded expectations: More than 1,500 artworks and creative submissions poured in from contributors of all ages and nationalities, according to Dr Hosnia Al Ali, Education Advisor at the NLA.
"Every image has a story to tell the community," Dr Al Ali told Aletihad on the sidelines of the closing ceremony for the project's inaugural edition.
"Our goal was not only to strengthen identity, understand history, and revive heritage through creative work, but also to invest in people's time, develop their creative tools, and give opportunities to everyone."
Participants who submitted some of the most outstanding works were honoured during the closing event, held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the Zayed Authority for People of Determination, Ministry of Culture, and Ministry of Education.
While the initiative centred on heritage and time-honoured traditions, the NLA folded in digital innovation as a component of the programme.
"Among the award categories are digital media and the use of artificial intelligence in producing creative works, whether through video production or music," Dr Al Ali said, noting that workshops were held to help participants understand and apply these technologies.
Seniors aged 75 and above, along with people of determination, also produced some inspiring works, she added. They were among those honoured during the ceremony, reflecting the inclusivity the NLA envisioned for the initiative.
Dr Al Ali said some of the artworks will be auctioned for charitable causes in cooperation with the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma'an. Others may be reproduced as book covers or included in catalogues.
"This is a beautiful project because it discovers people's talents and shows how government institutions can work together on sustainable initiatives," she said.
New x71 Edition: Family Picnics
For this Year of Family, the NLA is launching a new edition of project X71 focused on the bonds nurtured at home - particularly "family picnics", Dr Al Ali said.
"Why family picnics? Because they are more than entertainment. They bring generations together, allow family members to reconnect, step away from daily routines, and reflect on nature and the beauty of the country," she told Aletihad.
Such experiences, she added, help families preserve shared memories across time: "My picnic is different from my children's picnic, and different from my grandparents' picnic. We want this project to bring families together as one."
Heritage will remain central, with continued support from strategic partners and new collaboration from the Family Development Foundation and the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, Dr Al Ali said.