Meridian International Center and the UAE Embassy Unveil First-Ever Exhibition of Contemporary Emirati Art to be Shown in the United States
On May 22, 2014, Meridian International Center and the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched Past Forward: Contemporary Art from the Emirates, a groundbreaking cultural diplomacy program that brings Emirati artwork and artists to the United States (US). The exhibition tells the story of the UAE's rich history, culture and rapid development through the works of 25 notable Emirati artists. Past Forward represents the first major touring exhibition of Emirati art in the world.
Over 50 paintings, sculptures, photographs and other artwork comprise the exhibition, which will be on public display in Washington, DC through July 13, 2014. The exhibition will then go on a national tour through 2015, and will include stops in Texas, California and Washington. In addition to being on public display while touring the US, Emirati artists whose works are featured in Past Forward will conduct educational outreach, lectures, and workshops.
The exhibition was formally opened at the White-Meyer House at Meridian International Center during a gala reception that was attended by senior US government officials, members of the diplomatic community, business leaders and other friends of Meridian and the UAE. During the event, Meridian International Center President and CEO Ambassador Stuart Holliday stressed the value of cultural diplomacy to increasing dialogue and relationships between communities.
Additional support for Past Forward is being provided by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and Etihad Airways. The exhibition is co-curated by Dr. Curtis Sandberg, Senior Vice President for Arts and Cultural Programs at the Meridian International Center, and Noor Al Suwaidi, a renowned expert on contemporary Emirati art.
For more information, please visit the Past Forward website and follow the hashtag #PastForward for updates.
