Letter To The Cultural Industry

To my colleagues, the creatives, the makers, the artists and the wider creative industry, what an exceptional time this is for all of us.

We are all aware of the challenges of the spread of COVID-19 globally. A lot has been said about the effect of this situation on the cultural industry, but it is not the goal of this message to add to the global discourse. What I would like to tell you today is that we are in this, and will go through it, together.

Negativity is not the spirit inherent in creatives, and it is certainly not the spirit of Dubai. So, at the very beginning of this challenging circumstance, I was proud at the agility, resilience and unity with which the local creative scene has adapted.

Art Dubai, our region’s most important art fair as well as Dubai’s flagship cultural event, changed its programming from a physical event to a digital one within days of announcing the postponement of this year’s edition, including transforming its renowned Global Art Forum to a live-broadcast and online performance programme. By going digital the fair will reach a wider audience, some of which might not have engaged with its content before.

Alserkal Avenue has also innovatively moved their content online. Art enthusiasts and professionals alike, far from missing out on the institution’s famed Galleries Day, are now able to walk around its exhibitions and engage with them in new ways from the comfort of their homes, where their creative #VernissageFromHome saw 3,000 people engage with the digital experience.

The Jameel Arts Centre has also turned to its online platforms, including social media channels, to engage with its audience, thus fast-tracking their previously planned digital strategies.

And then there is the Global Grad Show, Dubai’s own year-round, non-profit initiative for graduates and universities working on Social Impact Innovation projects, which has issued an open call to universities and students to address COVID-19 collateral issues. I am really looking forward to seeing the creative solutions these brilliant young minds from around the world will present.

Last week, we had to announce the temporary closure of all museums, heritage sites and public libraries in Dubai, but this didn’t mean visitors could no longer engage with the content on show. Dubai 360 allows visitors to explore our museums and heritage sites online.

These are but a few examples of the many ways in which our community shows resilience and continued creativity at this difficult time.

From the very early stages of this crisis our government has shown its support to the people of the UAE, with the future and wellbeing of citizens, residents and visitors alike in mind. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, High Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently unveiled an economic stimulus package worth Dh1.5bn aimed at reducing the effects of the coronavirus, to protect businesses, especially serving tourism, retail, trade and energy sectors. What is more, the cost of living in Dubai is set to be reduced thanks to a reduction of electricity and water bills.

At Dubai Culture, we are actively engaging in conversations with the key players in our cultural sector, bringing them together for virtual dialogues and are listening to their issues and ideas. Together with them, we are looking at potential short-term solutions as well as how to shape a post-COVID-19 future.

We are far from the end of this crisis, but we want you to know that we are here, and we are listening. For it is in the arts and creativity, in all its forms, that people seek refuge and find hope during such challenging situations. So, I call on you to continue the conversations with us and with each other. Continue to create, share your ideas and innovate. Do not despair but keep pushing forward.

I am extremely thankful to the authorities, our residents and all members of the creative community for the many wonderful initiatives, as well as for keeping Dubai’s spirit positive and our heads held high. What is more, all of us need to be grateful to our heroes behind the scenes, who are working tirelessly to protect us and our loved ones; our doctors, policemen, nurses, first responders, health industry staff and all members of the workforce who cannot work from home during this time. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.