HEY DUBAI, WHERE'S THE ART?
“Imagine a city where graffiti wasn’t illegal, a city where everybody could draw whatever they liked. Where every street was awash with a million colours and little phrases. Where standing at a bus stop was never boring. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited, not just the estate agents and barons of big business. Imagine a city like that and stop leaning against the wall — it’s wet.” — Banksy
If you love street art, public art or well art in general, Dubai isn’t exactly the first place you think of. I was pretty surprised during my first visits many years ago knowing the long history of art in the Arab world, how little we see of it here.
It got me thinking, why does such an international multi-cultural city not encourage it? Since then, I founded my design firm, LIMAH, and had the chance to continue to work on many of the city’s and globe’s most iconic development projects. Throughout them all though, we keep pushing the idea of trying to get clients to include some art. While many are interested it’s been slow going to see the rise of public art in the city. Whether it’s painted on a wall, cast in bronze or carved in stone, abstract, realism and everything in between, public art has been part of our cultures since its beginning. We see works across cities and places throughout the world, and in its public setting it’s non-exclusive, does not require an entrance fee, it welcomes everyone, it encourages discussion and debates and of course, we love taking photos of it.
“Most cities around the world are filled with public art’s more deviant twin; street art, which again, here is almost never seen…”
While many cities encourage public art through competitions, commissions and global developers often include such works on their properties, here in Dubai and regionally, public art is still uncommon. Most cities around the world are filled with public art’s more deviant twin; street art, which again, here is almost never seen for a number of reasons including getting more than just severe fines for doing it. But further, it seems to be due to the concern of cost, difficulty and perhaps lack of understanding of art’s value culturally within communities. While some works of art in public spaces may have been done purely as abstract works, and primarily for the form and beauty, other works may have rich and deep meaning, and stories to tell. Whatever the artist’s vision or intent, public art has a unique power to transform communities, bring excitement to neighbourhoods and can always inspire others to create. Often, it can give ownership of the artwork to the community, encouraging pride in local places. Cities and neighbourhoods have been transformed from places we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction through art.
Beyond its enriching personal benefits, public art is a true symbol of a city’s vision and maturity. It can express the city’s positive sense of identity and values. It can help parks thrive; enhance roadways, building lobbies, pedestrian walkways, and community gateways. It demonstrates unquestionable civic pride in residents and affirms a civilized, cultured environment. A city with public art is a city that is proud, determined and is concerned about the well-being of its citizens.
“A city with public art is a city that is proud, determined and is concerned about the well-being of its citizens.”
While at this time in Dubai, and regionally, art in our communities is lacking, those of us within the community of Art, and with a passion for it have an opportunity to create a bright future for the diverse communities we live in. Through our work in, encouragement for and implementation of public art, we can provide an environment where residents can grow and improve their quality of life. Some works may increase in value over time, which is another benefit, but the greatest benefit will be to the community as it will foster pride and ownership in their cultures; and bring enjoyment for us now, and generations in the future.
Can I help you create an exceptional human experience? Connect with me @ limahdesign.com or @monopolyofone
