Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
As a cultural hub in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (BFAF) works to support emerging local talent and cultivate a global dialogue on contemporary art.
In an exclusive interview with Aletihad, Michaela Watrelot, Curator and Director of Exhibitions at the Foundation, highlighted its mission to foster contemporary Arab art, engage with a wide range of communities, and nurture emerging talent via mentorship and innovative initiatives.
"Established by philanthropist and art collector H.E. Bassam Said Freiha, BFAF is a non-profit organisation and the first and only private art foundation in Saadiyat Cultural District. A dynamic space where art is shared freely, it aims to support local and regional artists, exhibit private art collections, and create a space for cultural exchange and public engagement," Watrelot said.
The foundation promotes contemporary Arab art by highlighting the work of local artists and educating global audiences about Emirati talents through collaborative projects, public programmes, as well as cultural exchanges.
"We empower both regional and international artists by providing a platform for their work and allowing them to reach and inspire a global audience." Furthermore, the foundation offers mentorship and career development support to aspiring artists, she said.
"We have built a creative community within the Saadiyat Cultural District and the broader UAE, and we continuously encourage emerging artists to express themselves across various artistic mediums."
Watrelot said BFAF follows the Abu Dhabi Government's leadership in nurturing a cultural hub for the region, using art as a platform to address social and cultural issues and contribute to the cultural and educational ecosystem.
BFAF's academic programmes, including art history lectures and panel discussions, aim to enhance understanding of art collecting and contemporary practices, she added.
The foundation also puts a particular emphasis on engagement with the local community and international audiences.
"The academic programmes aim to create a richer understanding of art collecting and contemporary practices; they are integral to the Foundation's mission to inspire, educate, and engage with the wider community," Watrelot said.
She further stressed the foundation's commitment to preserving Arab art history. "BFAF stands as a testament to the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural identity through art and architecture. We aim to present exhibitions that represent the visions and narratives of individual collectors from across the Arab world, as well as provide visitors with the opportunity to see Arab artworks that often remain hidden from public view. The foundation aims to highlight the depths of Arab and human heritage and express an appreciation for the rich culture of the Arab world, along with the huge impact it has made on human civilisation."
Watrelot highlighted some of the foundation's recent exhibitions, including Hour Eternal – 20 Years of Emirati Abstraction, which was held in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Culture); Visions of the Orient: Highlights from the Bassam Freiha Art Collection; and Mineral Garden, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between Brazil and the UAE.
"Mineral Garden brought together the works of acclaimed Brazilian artist Ana Elisa Murta and Emirati sculptor and designer Azza Al Qubaisi. Both artists demonstrated how natural materials can be collectively interpreted and reimagined to create works that celebrate cultural dialogue, resourcefulness, and environmental stewardship," Watrelot said.
She stressed the Foundation's strategy of education and outreach, working closely with schools to encourage artists and collectors, enriching art education, as well as providing valuable skills for emerging artists.
"Furthering our ambition to make art accessible to everyone, we offer inclusive workshops that cater to children and adults of all abilities, along with complimentary art history evenings, and collaborative educational programmes that inspire creativity and critical thinking. Above all, our workshops, sessions, and activities are all designed to emphasise creativity, teamwork, and community growth," she added.
