DUBAI.- Forty of the world’s leading contemporary and modern galleries gather in Dubai next March for the first Gulf Art Fair. Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the fair opens with an exclusive Patrons’ Preview on Wednesday 7th March, followed the next evening with a Charity Opening in aid of START. With its global mix of artists and galleries and a VIP programme organized by Quintessentially and the Jumeirah Group, the Gulf Art Fair offers international collectors the chance to see the finest contemporary art in the stunning beach-side setting of Madinat Jumeirah.

Amongst the international line up of galleries taking part are Bodhi Art (Singapore), Max Lang (New York), SCAI Bathhouse (Tokyo), Albion (London), Lisson (London), Pekin Fine Arts (Beijing), Ben Brown (London), Forsblom (Helsinki), Krinzinger (Vienna), Hyundai (Seoul), Gallery Chemould (Mumbai) and the Third Line (Dubai). The growing significance of the Asian art market is represented by the participation of galleries such as Continua (San Gimignano/Beijing), Sfeir Semler (Hamburg/Beirut) and Bose Pacia/Nature Morte (New York/New Delhi) who now operate successful galleries from within Asia as well as the West.

John Martin, Fair Director comments: “Dubai is set to become a major centre for the global art market. Situated within easy reach of Russia, India and South East Asia, it is ideally placed to become the focal point for some of the most exciting new art markets in the world. In bringing together the most innovative art in one of the world’s most dynamic countries, the Gulf Art Fair hopes to establish Dubai as Asia’s leading centre for contemporary art.”

A three-day educational programme sponsored by Sotheby’s will bring international speakers to discuss aspects of contemporary art and collecting. There will be planned site-specific installations by international artists like Subodh Kerkhar, Brian Eno, Parviz Tanavoli, Mariko Mori, James Turrell and Jorge Orta. A complementary fair celebrating contemporary regional art organised by Dubai’s growing number of contemporary galleries will take place along the Creek, coordinated by The Third Line. With the official support of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing; and the UAE Minister of Culture, His Excellency Abdul Rahman Al Owais, the Gulf Art Fair will make a significiant contribution to the cultural life of the region.

The proceeds from ticket sales and the charity dinner will help towards establishing a cultural foundation called START to provide funding for children’s art workshops in deprived communities in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.