Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial 2024 Launches with 70+ Artists Across 8 Routes
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial kicked off on November 15, 2024, transforming downtown Abu Dhabi and Al Ain into a huge gallery featuring site-specific pieces from over 70 artists, both local and international. Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, this event will run through April 30, 2025, with eight distinct routes to explore, including walks in various parks and the Carpet Souq, along with several driving routes. Well-known artists like Wael Al Awar, Oscar Murillo, and Farah Al Qasimi are participating. There are also five 'Hubs' for performances and food stalls. A second wave of installations is set for January 2025, showcasing works by Latifa Saeed and others. This initiative was announced in March 2023 and includes annual commissions and the Manar Abu Dhabi light art exhibition.
Key facts
- Inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial launched 15 November 2024.
- Runs until 30 April 2025.
- Organized by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
- Features over 70 artists from UAE and worldwide.
- Eight curated routes across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
- Includes five Hubs with food, performances, and shops.
- Second wave of installations begins January 2025.
- Part of Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative announced March 2023.
Entities
Artists
- Wael Al Awar
- Oscar Murillo
- Farah Al Qasimi
- Bik Van der Pol
- Tania Candiani
- Sammy Baloji
- UT-R Studio
- Nicholas Galanin
- Abdullah Al Saadi
- Hashel Al Lamki
- Lawrence Abu Hamdan
- Kader Attia
- Khalil Rabah
- Seema Nusrat
- Rami Kashou
- Paweł Althamer
- Nathan Coley
- Athar Jaber
- Allora & Calzadilla
- Hussein Sharif
- Zeinab Alhashemi
- Henrique Oliveira
- Eko Nugroho
- Azza Al Qubaisi
- SUPERFLEX
- Lúcia Koch
- Mohammed Al Hawajri
- Radhika Khimji
- Christopher Joshua Benton
- Eddie Clemens
- Yeesookyung
- guBuyoBand
- Afra Al Dhaheri
- Kabir Mohanty
- Mohamed Al Astad
- Ayesha Hadir
- Wael Shawky
- Mircea Cantor
- Nnenna Okore
- Load na Dito
- Rawdha Al Ketbi
- Shaikha Al Ketbi
- Alex Ayed
- Safeya Alblooshi
- Ntshepe Tsekere
- Deepak Unnikrishnan
- Latifa Saeed
- Atelier Aziz Al Qatami
- Anga Art Collective
- Arquitectura Expandida
- Daniel Buren
- Alia Farid
- Ayesha Hadhir
- Emily Jacir
- Mobile Akademie Berlin
- Lance Gerber
Institutions
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
- Public Art Abu Dhabi
- Manar Abu Dhabi
- Cultural Foundation
- National Theatre
- Umm Al Emarat Park
- Hili Archaeological Park
- Al Jahili Fort
- Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
- Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial
- Art Dubai
- UNESCO
Locations
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
- Al Ain
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Abu Dhabi Public Parks
- Urban Park
- Formal Park
- Lake Park
- Recreation Park
- Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal
- Downtown Abu Dhabi
- Carpet Souq
- National Theatre
- Cultural Foundation
- Al Ain Oasis
- Corniche Beach
- Dubai
- Corniche
- Hili Archaeological Park
- Al Jahili Fort