Dubai’s growing cultural outreach is now looking East as well as West.
Following a successful launch in London, Dubai Futures: the UAE’s emerging art scene, an exhibition showcased the work of some of the best, young Emirati designers from the region at Tokyo Designers Week 2011.
The exhibition supported by Brownbook magazine and Falcon and Associates highlighted Dubai’s increasing cultural, commercial and economic links with Japan.
Dubai is now home to more than 2,400 Japanese residents – the largest Japanese community in the MENA region.
More than 260 Japanese companies are registered in Dubai, including Nissan, Panasonic and Mitsubishi Motors, and global electronics giant Toshiba recently announced the establishment of its Middle East and Africa regional head office in Dubai.
Ahmed Al Shaikh, Media Escort to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Managing Director of Dubai Media Incorporated and the Dubai Government Media Office and Chairman of Falcon and Associates, said, “Japan is an important international market for Dubai, in terms of both trade and culture, and we’re delighted to be taking part in Tokyo Designers Week.”
“The Dubai Futures exhibition not only showcases some of the exciting talent in the emirate but also highlights the opportunity that exists here for international artists and designers.”
“It’s clear to see the two cultures are already having an influence on each other in the art world and there’s still much to explore in the synergies that exist between the creativity of the two cities.”
Tokyo Designers Week, is held annually in Meiji Jingu Gaien, in central Tokyo and features art, graphic design, product design architecture and interiors.
Dubai Futures official site: www.brownbook.ae/dubaifutures
All photos courtesy of Dubai Futures
