DUBAI.- Over sixty of the leading art world personalities gather in Doha and in Dubai for the 3rd Edition of the Global Art Forum. It was launched in March 2007 as an initiative of Art Dubai and brings together artists, curators, museum directors, and art professionals to discuss issues that affect art today and will define its future. A strong emphasis has been placed on the ways in which the Middle East and the international art community interact.

Global Art Forum_3 will focus on topics that will define the future of art as a central driving force of cultural diplomacy and innovation, as well as a thoughtful manifestation of what is essential in a complex and changing world. Art Dubai is pleased to welcome The National as the Official Media Partner of the Global Art Forum.

The first day will be hosted by the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha and will focus on Creating an Audience, in terms of the relationship between the public and the museum. Creating an audience for museums and art institutions is not a new topic. The topics of Building the Museum, The Future of the Museum and Creating Spaces: Cultural Development and Art Practices Cocurated by the Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha will be further studied.

For days two, three and four, the Global Art Forum returns to its home at Art Dubai for three days dedicated to legendary artists, collectors, curators and filmmakers as well as some of the most exciting art projects from around the globe. Day two, which is supported by DCAA (Dubai Culture & Arts Authority), begins with Good Morning Russia and discusses the vibrant and unique art scene in Moscow. Is Collecting a Statement or a Cause? More and more collectors are shying away from iconic collections and are working actively hand in hand with artists, curators, institutions and other collectors to help produce works of art, education programmes, and making art accessible to the public. DCAA will also present: Press Announcement ‘Opening’ by the UAE Pavilion for the 53rd Venice Art Biennale.

Day three is hosted by ADACH (Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage). The programme will focus on key issues that are driving the projects of the Authority forward starting with Contemporary Culture and Living Tradition. The mission of ADACH is Cultural Diplomacy from the Perspective of the Arab World as a Constructive Conversation with the West. In the plans of ADACH, the role of The Heritage Museum in a Modern Age is key to the development of its program. As collecting is a fundamental part of museum development, ADACH has recently produced an Arabic translation of the book Owning Art: The Contemporary Art Collector’s Handbook by London-based collector Judith Greer and journalist Louisa Buck. The evening will be dedicated to a panel on Art City, Tehran, co-curated by Bidoun which will feature Tehran-based artists, curators and critics.

The fourth day begins with Brave New World: The New Deal in the Art World. In the current economic climate, artists, curators and collectors have to find a new deal in terms of getting significant artworks produced and exhibited. The harmonious alignment of public and private initiatives will be of the essence, and the way they are initiated, managed and communicated will be key in rebuilding trust in the art world. Experts will discuss possible scenarios for change and survival in the years to come.