They paint a vibrant scene at the Smithsonian Folklore Festival

80 innovators carry the UAE's legacy to America

Noura Al Kaabi confirmed during the conference that the artists are the best representatives of their country.

Photography: Najeeb Mohamed

National and resident artists expressed their feeling of pride for being chosen to represent the UAE at the Smithsonian Folklore Festival, one of the most prominent artistic and cultural events in the world, which is organized annually in the American capital, Washington, stressing that Emirati folklore has the ability to impress audiences from all over the world, because of its It has richness and diversity according to the diversity of society and the environment.

During the conference, which was held yesterday at the Abu Dhabi Youth Center, a group of artists reviewed the nature of their participation, the projects and performances that they will present during the festival, which is organized from 23 to 27 of this month, and from 30 to the fourth of next July, and is hosting the UAE only in this session. With the full support of the Ministry of Culture and Youth and in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the UAE Embassy in the United States, the performances in which 80 creators participate range from traditional folk arts such as “Al Nahma” which is the famous pearl fishermen’s songs, folk music, falconry, and traditional food. In addition to traditional crafts and youth projects inspired by heritage, they will be displayed in a market that was inspired by the organizers of the American festival from the design of Arab markets in the past.

A number of events will also be organized during the event, such as workshops for creating perfumes and incense, falconry, introducing Arabic coffee and others.

For her part, Minister of Culture and Youth Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said, "The participation of a group of Emirati artists and residents in this festival, which bears the slogan (The United Arab Emirates: A Vibrant Scene and Immortal Memories), reflects the great legacy that the Emirates enjoys, which has led it to be the state. The guest this year, as it indicates the status, heritage and presence of Emirati and Arab arts among the various arts related to the lives of peoples.

Al-Kaabi indicated, during the conference, which was attended by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture and Youth Mubarak Al-Nakhi, the Assistant Undersecretary for the Heritage and Arts Sector Shatha Al-Mulla, the Deputy Chief of Mission in charge of the US Embassy in the country Robin Solomon, and a number of personalities, that the artists are the best representative of their country, and are able to convey an image Bright and bright about their culture, their nation, and the legacy of their homeland to the world, as the role of artists in such events transcends local and regional borders far beyond, pointing out that the public in the United States will learn during the days of the event a lot of artistic creations, especially the heritage that tells about the Emirates. and its heritage, which will contribute to changing the stereotyped image of the arts in the region.

light on memory:

The Smithsonian Folklore Festival will present the public with a variety of events involving more than 80 craftsmen, creators and musicians from the UAE, whose mission is to introduce the great and ancient heritage of traditional and contemporary arts and culture, built on an authentic cultural heritage.

The events will start with a concert, and the accompanying cultural programs will start after that. The activities will shed light on the living memory and authentic cultural traditions emanating from the Emirati experience with regard to the link between the UAE’s cultural heritage with land, sea and sky, living traditions, cultural exchange, knowledge and linguistic richness, and others, along with Introducing the unique model of the country in embracing a great diversity of nationalities and cultures, its sustainable visions, and its plans for the future.

The festival was launched in 1967 with the aim of honoring living contemporary cultural traditions, and celebrating those who preserve and practice them. It is an annual event held by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage and hosted by the UAE this year.

Noura Al Kaabi:

During the festival, the public in the United States will learn about many artistic creations, especially those that tell about the UAE and its heritage.

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Currently, the activities of the festival will be launched in which the UAE is the guest country. 

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