This week’s editorial musings from magpie’s nest
Public art We’ve updated our sort-of guide to Abu Dhabi’s Public Art Biennial: check it out here, and we’re also listing associated public events in the Agenda The word from our people on the ground is that the Biennial is very good (and there’s more to come in January). Our top three works so far: Farah Al Qasimi, Afra Al Dhaheri, Wael Al Awar.
Snap! This weekend Getty Images Middle East is running two days of solid professional development free at GPP – hear from Getty people what visuals are in demand, find out what it takes to be a Getty/iStock creator, learn the benefits of having your content represented by Getty, participate in shoots … Obviously Getty’s interest is adding to its portfolio of licensable pics, but this does look like a great opportunity for getting some practical insights, improving skills, connecting with peers, and maybe adding to your income. And it’s free, but places will be limited. Info here.
Gamay hooray It’s the third thursday of November, which means it’s Beaujolais nouveau day (aka the day on which this year’s vin de primeur is released to the world). It’s said to be a good one this time …
More art A new art gallery is always welcome, especially a trailblazer: Iris Projects, better known to date as a curatorial agency with a number of projects under its belt, is opening its first permanent gallery, and it’s in Abu Dhabi’s MiZa cultural neighbourhood in Mina Zayed. Iris Projects opens 20 November with a solo show by Emirati artist Alyazia Al Nahyan (details here: view by appointment only though). Iris, which also has a booth in Abu Dhabi Art, has a roster of half a dozen artists for follow-on shows.
Bee happy The winner of the 12th Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award was unveiled at the opening of Abu Dhabi Art a couple of days ago. It’s a bee hotel by Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha from Datecrete Studio, constructed from their date pip based cement alternative Datecrete: “beautiful, useful, and important” said the Award’s director. Here’s our take on it, and if you fancy your chances here are the application details for the next edition.
Your MFA? Today NYUAD is promoting its MFA course with Open Studios in The Arts Center 3-7pm. Meet students and faculty, learn about the programme, check out the scholarships … Details here.
Final frontier Our friends at Karama Arts Club have hit what looks like a final hurdle in their quest to become Dubai’s first arts NGO – they need to register an actual (ie non-flexi desk) office space as the Club HQ, but they don’t have one … They won’t actually need to use the space, but they do need an NOC letter from the tenant. If you can help, contact Club Manager Clare on +971 50 144 1769.
Bluesky newbie? Of course you’re thinking about moving to Bluesky, or you have already done so; so you need to find your tribe quickly. Bluesky starter packs are one way. Bluesky itself doesn’t have a searchable directory of them (yet) – but there’s a mighty fine (and searchable) collection here.
Something for the weekend How’s your circle drawing? Find out here.
Things we didn’t know no.94 It’s illegal to own just one guinea pig in Switzerland. It’s considered animal abuse because they’re social beings and get lonely.
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