Young Emiratis learn the business of art

Twenty young Emirati dancers, painters, writers, filmmakers and photographers are learning to transform their skills into viable businesses thanks to an 18-month vocational training course.

The Cultural Excellence Fellowship Programme, run by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (Admaf) in partnership with the British Council, requires the students to attend one-day business focused workshops every other weekend.

Each seminar is led by professionals and academics who offer training on issues such as artistic programming, audience development, financial management, digital development, arts education, community outreach, marketing, branding, people management, cultural policy, international development and evaluation.

The students, who are known as “proteges” in the programme, will also be mentored by UAE-based professional artists.

“The Cultural Excellence Fellowship is a long-term initiative that seeks to make a significant contribution to the shaping of the country’s cultural scene,” said Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, founder of Admaf.

“I believe the programme will foster entrepreneurialism among Emirati youth as well as elevate the creativity of the UAE, nationally and internationally.”

Original article by Roberta Pennington

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Young Emiratis learn the business of art