Looking Back at the Past Forward Art Exhibition
In 2014, the largest collection of contemporary Emirati art was showcased during the Past Forward exhibition tour. The comprehensive exhibition brought stories of the UAE’s development and rich history to people across the U.S. — giving Americans the opportunity to experience Emirati culture. Past Forward’s collection of 50 pieces of artwork included sculptures, paintings, digital media and other various works created by 25 noteworthy Emirati artists. The Past Forward exhibition tour was displayed at museums and galleries in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Spokane, East Lansing, Michigan, Chicago and Lexington.
Emphasizing the necessity of celebrating and sharing art, Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said, “Art has always been at the root of Emirati Society. Art has nourished culture, informed our thinking and allowed the UAE to become the modern, open, tolerant country that it is today.”
Since 2014, the UAE has continued to highlight Emiratis through art. The UAE USA United campaign in particular has allowed for extensive cultural exchanges between Emiratis and Americans as it highlights collective efforts. In addition to Past Forward, these exchanges have included events such as the renowned international art fair Art Dubai, the biannual Dubai International Film Festival and the 2022 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, which showcased UAE arts and culture.
Learn more about how the UAE is highlighting Emirati art and culture:
https://www.uaeusaunited.com/stories/...
https://www.uaeusaunited.com/stories/...
https://yousefalotaiba.com/insights/2...
About Yousef Al Otaiba:
Arab Gulf States Institute: https://agsi.org/people/h-e-yousef-al...
U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council: https://usuaebusiness.org/resources/u...
The Marque: https://www.themarque.com/profile/you...
LinkedIn: / yousef-al-otaiba
UAE USA United: https://www.uaeusaunited.com/yousef-a...
MoFA: https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/bio/yousef...
#UAECultureExchange #EmiratiArt #PastForward
Video Chapters
00:00 Past Forward exhibit showcases Emirati art
00:14 Noor Al Suwaidi discusses the purpose of the exhibit
00:43 Officials Dana Al Marashi and Ambassador Stuart Holliday explain the impact of the exhibit
01:26 Yousef Al Otaiba talks about the importance of art in society
01:42 Words on Emirati art from Co-Curator Dr. Curtis Sandberg
02:04 Emirati artists on how art and culture exchange connects people