Institut français in the UAE – the cultural department of the French Embassy, JCDecaux – the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and BB Media has given the opportunity to amateur and professional artists to present their artworks in a major international airport, transforming Abu Dhabi International Airport into an open-air museum for several weeks.
Launched on June 6th across the UAE, contestants were invited to create a work of graphic art, giving free rein to their imagination, by answering to the question: “how will we travel in the future”. The call was open to anyone above 6-year-old living in United Arab Emirates. The 9 winners of the three categories (children, teenagers and adults) will be rewarded by the exhibition of their work of art on the 70 outdoor advertising billboards of the Abu Dhabi International Airport for several weeks.
Through this competition, the four partners wished to encourage the local creation and the development of artistic skills. They also wanted to celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary and its long–term vision, by creating a major cultural event in a very symbolical place.
H.E Xavier Chatel, Ambassador of France to the UAE, said: “This unprecedented project is a wonderful opportunity to encourage cultural creation and to foster the emergence of talents. It will also celebrate friendship between the UAE and France, which is driven by culture, art and innovation – major themes that will be displayed at the French Pavilion during Dubai Expo.”
CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company declared: “This unique contest is an opportunity to connect the Airport to inhabitants who will be part of the outdoor landscape’s design. This is also the occasion to pay a tribute to the Year of the 50th anniversary of the country, by engaging all those who call the UAE their home.”
Martin Sabbagh, CEO of JCDecaux Middle-East and Africa, declared: “JCDecaux has a long history of fostering creation and culture. We are very proud to support “Showcase your artwork at Abu DhabiInternational Airport”by making our advertising assets available to promote talents. This contest is perfectly in line with our mission as mobility and sustainability are two of the major themes of our innovation strategy. We are very excited to launch this world-premiere project with our partners, which will transform Abu Dhabi International Airport into an open-air museum.”
The opening ceremony took place on the occasion of the French National Day, the 14th of July, during which the 50thanniversary of the Emirati-French friendship was celebrated. The winners will also be awarded the possibility to exhibit their artwork at a specific event at the France Pavilion during Dubai Expo.
