Encouraging UAE and international artists to inspire from the theme of the event " Sustainability & Heritage... A Reborn Aspiration”

ADIHEX 2021 announces the Guidelines for Paintings and Handicrafts 

Abu Dhabi, February 13th, 2021

The Higher Organizing Committee of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (2021) is keen to ensure that the art industry is represented strongly in the exhibition as it brings together creators from different continents. The "Arts and Crafts" sector in the exhibition is a very valuable platform that showcases the artistic pieces from talented Emirati, Arab and foreign artists individuals. It provides a genuine opportunity for them to communicate with art enthusiasts in relation to cultural heritage and human civilization.

Organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 18th edition of ADIHEX will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's representative in Al Dhafra region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, from 27th September to 3rd October 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The Chairman of the Highers Organizing Committee, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasised that ADIHEX is not only a remarkable international meeting place for manufacturers of hunting tools and weapons, enthusiasts of land and sea trips / adventures, and falconry and equestrian aficionados enthusiastic, but it also hosts many artistic forms of expression. These include painting, sculpture, photography, ornamentation, Arabic calligraphy and masterpieces of handicrafts. The exhibition halls, corners and corridors are adorned with paintings, , photographs and visual artworks that are harmonious with the theme of the event and its content, embodying history and heritage and simulating the ancient environment. It is mostly derived from the customs and traditions of the region and the UAE in particular.

ADIHEX hosts visual artists, photographers, painters, calligraphers and art designers, in addition to local and international art galleries that showcase masterfully crafted artwork in a variety of techniques that express various schools of art, including realism, abstract and modern. Its themes revolve around the desert and marine environments, as well as hunting issues and challenges. The participating artists are also keen to develop artwork and visual paintings specifically for the theme of this edition, "Sustainability and Heritage.. A Reborn Aspiration".

The eagerness of many Emirati visual artists to participate in all editions of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) highlights their personal initiative to have art represented in this forum, which brings together creators from different continents. Innovations in painting are presented using novel materials and methods. Their work showcases authentic Emirati heritage that is steeped in its antiquity and its origins from the land and desert.  This conforms to the taste of the public and enthusiasts and is representative of all Emirati environments.

The Higher Organizing Committee has not only enhanced and enriched the Arts and Crafts sector, but also organizes several artistic competitions in the areas of drawing and photography in relation to the theme of the exhibition. This is in line with the Committee’s effort to preserve the local heritage, highlight the sports played by ancestors, contribute to the recording of wildlife and the desert environment, and shed light on the prestigious position that falcons and horses occupy in the UAE. In addition, these competitions highlight the important role that the arts of drawing and photography play in contributing to environmental awareness and documenting the sports of equestrian and falconry, which have a strong connection with Arab history and culture.

On ADIHEX website, www.adihex.com, the exhibition management has provided a “Painting Content Guidelines” for those interested in participating. Artists must provide profile information, their art portfolio, as well as an overview of the artworks illustrating the artist’s experience, along with an introductory paragraph about each artwork their intend to present : (name of artwork - size – materials used - price - year of production).

Art galleries must include the name of all artists along with a brief overview about the artwork displayed under their names. Artists must state the price of each work in a final price list that is to be sent to the Organizing Committee to be used as a reference in the exhibition.

The exhibition management encourages artists to paint wildlife, especially falcons, horses, rabbits and other wild animals, including their natural habitats and environment in the wild, and any other topics related to the exhibition theme, "Sustainability and Heritage... A Reborn Aspiration". It also encourages artists to contribute through the highly important cultural message of the artwork to represent the dangers threatening wildlife while strengthening efforts to protect it, while also preserving cultural heritage.

To inspire the artists and unleash their creative imaginations, the Organizing Committee is sharing an image gallery for their reference that they can access on ADIHEX website.

Artists must send photos of their artwork along with an introductory overview no later than August 15, 2021, via e-mail. Unfinished artwork may be submitted as well. The Committee will announce the list of artworks approved by August 30th,2021.

“The Arts and Crafts Guideline” is also available on the exhibition website. It aims at introducing the cultural, civilizational and environmental heritage of our ancestors and the importance of preserving wildlife. It also highlights the important role that these forms of art play in environmental awareness. In addition, it documents the sports of falconry and equestrian, which has a strong connection with Arab heritage and human civilization.

All artworks are subject to the requirements set in the Arts and Crafts Sector Guidelines by the Organizing Committee. In addition, all artworks must be related to this year's theme, "Sustainability and Heritage.. A Reborn Aspiration".

Artists are required to send a video clip of themselves creating the artworks that they wish to submit no later than July 20, 2021. The videos can be viewed and shared through the exhibition's social media accounts or website , after obtaining the artists' approval.

All participating artworks are subject to the approval of by the Organizing Committee prior to display. The Committee has the right to reject any work that does not reflect the theme of the exhibition.