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Dubai: Art enthusiasts in the UAE have even more reason to pursue their passion, with the rise of a flourishing arts scene throughout the emirates.
One haven for the arts recognised the need for a creative outlet 30 years ago and proceeded to encourage, nurture and create a home for a host of artistic expressions, establishing the UAE's first such centre.
The Dubai International Art Centre was founded in May 1976 by local artists Mary Jose and Caroline Jackson.
After a groundbreaking exhibition called "10 artists in Dubai", the organisers decided to continue with their venture, attracting and nurturing the talents of art enthusiasts in Dubai.
While passion for the arts is something that has remained constant over the years, something that has changed is the centre's name.
When first established it was known as the Art Society of Dubai, then it became the Folk Art Charity Association for Teaching and Showing, followed by The Dubai Arts Centre, and since 1995 it has been the Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC).
Among the classes offered are pottery, drawing, painting, photography and even some language classes, including Mandarin, Spanish and conversational Arabic.
Painting is one of the more popular topics.
Aisha Chen McKeever, the centre manager, said: "You see people come in and their confidence grows. Then suddenly they're painting massive canvasses. Once they start and get out there, their enthusiasm really grows."
Children's classes are also popular.
Visitors can relax in the centre's coffee shop, which offers home-made sandwiches, cakes and soups.
In 1978, the Art Society of Dubai held an exhibition of one of Britain's most famous potters, Alan Caiger-Smith, for the first time in the UAE.
Caiger-Smith established the world-famous Aldermaston Pottery in Berkshire, South England in 1955 and is one of the few Western potters to have practiced an ancient Arab lustre technique.
Since then, royal pupils have included the daughters of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and students from the Al Qasimi and Al Futtaim families.
The centre also organises lecturers, from important local figures, such as John Darbi, former Chief Engineer, Dubai Municipality and Darioush Zandi, former town planner for the municipality.
More than 1,200 members of 80 nationalities currently use the centre's facilities, where 50 teachers convey knowledge on more than 80 courses.
Regional artists have been supported by the centre, including local scene painter Abdul Qadir Al Rais, former UAE military designer Osama Yousuf and Emirati artist Jalal Luqman.
DIAC has also worked directly with the Dubai Government, including designing the Royal Guest House's welcoming decorations for Queen Elizabeth II's 1979 visit.
DIAC teacher Tina Ahmad also designed new postage stamps for the UAE in 1992.
As a non-commercial, non-profit organisation, the DIAC has faced many challenges: the biggest of which is meeting rent demands.
Liz Miller, administrative director, said: "When we moved into a new villa three years ago, we were forced to raise the price of classes."
"Our main challenge is finding the rent, we had reserves to construct a purpose-built centre, but the reserves had to be used for the rent.
Despite these challenges, the centre is flourishing, particularly with the opening of Gallery 76. The in-house gallery showcases members' work and is also booked up with visiting artists' work until 2009.
Details: The price of art
- DIAC is located in villa 27, street 75b off Jumeirah Beach Road, just past the Town Centre Mall. Telephone 04 344 4398, www.artdubai.com, e-mail is artdubai@emirates.net.ae
- Yearly adult membership costs Dh350 and includes two children under 18. Family membership (for more than one adult) is available for Dh550.
- Scholar memberships are Dh120, while the university student fee is Dh200 on production of a valid ID card.
- Non-members can attend classes by paying a fee increment of 30 per cent.
- Members can exhibit works at the annual member’s exhibition and can rent studio or gallery space.
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