Ishara Art Foundation: Promoting South Asian Art from Dubai

Established in 2019 by Smita Prabhakar, who has spent over 20 years collecting South Asian contemporary art and relocated to the UAE four decades ago, Ishara Art Foundation stands as the Gulf's inaugural nonprofit organization focused on South Asian art. Located in Dubai, it has showcased more than 50 artists, many of whom are exhibiting in West Asia for the first time. Director Sabih Ahmed emphasizes the foundation's goal to nurture both emerging and established South Asian artists and their diaspora, promoting discussions on shared histories, migration, and climate issues. The foundation serves as a hub within a larger network of art venues, allowing audiences in Dubai to experience works from cities such as Delhi, Lahore, and Colombo. Ahmed also observes the growth of the Gulf's art landscape over the past 20 years, marked by an increase in museums and nonprofits like Jameel Arts Centre and Louvre Abu Dhabi. He points out the significant contributions of women in the sector, with institutions led by women and artists like Christiana di Marchi and Nujoom Al-Ghanem. The foundation partners with local educational institutions, including NYUAD and Zayed University, facilitating curator-led tours and workshops. Plans for the future include a celebration of its fifth anniversary featuring exhibitions and conferences in both the UAE and South Asia.