Dubai: The UAE has launched a new international art initiative bringing Emirati artists together with Austrian creatives, with plans to showcase its first installation at Expo 2027 Belgrade.
Called WeBecomeOne, the initiative was launched at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) on Thursday, November 12. It aims to create opportunities for young Emirati artists to work with internationally recognised creatives and gain exposure to global art communities.
The project was conceived by Zubin Karkaria, founder and chief executive of VFS Global, Mike Reiter, founder of Brainsworld, and Austrian contemporary artist Tom Lohner.
Karkaria said the initiative aims to grow beyond a one-off cultural collaboration into an international platform.
“Through WeBecomeOne, our vision is to create a global platform focused on upskilling young Emirati artists, providing them opportunities to collaborate with internationally recognised artists, exchange ideas and showcase their creativity to the world,” he said.
“What begins here in the UAE is the start of a much larger journey.”
First artwork
The launch featured the unveiling of Hands of Becoming, an installation devised by Lohner in collaboration with Emirati artists.
The artwork combines a natural wooden hand with a painted counterpart, representing individuality, collaboration and cultural exchange.
Lohner said working with Emirati artists had offered an opportunity to explore different perspectives through a shared creative process.
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