A view of an ADIHEX event.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

There are many organisations in the UAE which encourage arts and culture. Among them are Sharjah Art Foundation, Dubai Culture and The Higher Organizing Committee of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX).

The Committee has expressed its keenness in ensuring that the art industry is represented strongly in the upcoming ADIHEX exhibition (Sept. 27 — Oct. 3), bringing together creatives from different continents.

The Arts and Crafts sector in the exhibition is a platform that will showcase art pieces from talented Emirati, Arab and foreign artists. It offers an opportunity for them to communicate with each other and the public, in relation to cultural heritage and human civilisation. 

Organised 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, at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. 

The Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasised that ADIHEX is not only an international meeting place for manufacturers of hunting tools and weapons, enthusiasts of land and sea trips/adventures and falconry and equestrian aficionados, but also hosts many artistic forms of expression.

Traditional culture is showcased at the ADIHEX.

They include painting, sculpture, photography, ornamentation, Arabic calligraphy and handicraft masterpieces. During the event, halls, corners and corridors are adorned with paintings, photographs and visual artworks that are harmonious with the theme of the occasion and its content, embodying history and heritage and simulating the ancient environment. The works are mostly derived from the customs and traditions of the region, the UAE in particular. 

ADIHEX hosts visual artists, photographers, painters, calligraphers and art designers, in addition to local and international art galleries, that showcase artwork in a variety of techniques that express various schools of art, including realism, abstraction and contemporary practices.

The works showcase authentic Emirati heritage that is steeped in antiquity and has its origins in the land and desert. In addition, the competitions highlight the important role that the arts of drawing and photography particularly play in contributing to environmental awareness. Equestrian and falconry sports have a strong connection to Arab history and culture.

Themes revolve around the desert and marine environment, as well as hunting issues and challenges. The theme of this edition is Sustainability and Heritage … A Reborn Aspiration. 

On ADIHEX website, www.adihex.com, the exhibition management has provided 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 his or her experience, along with an introductory paragraph about each artwork they intend to present, including name of artwork, size, materials used, price and year of creation. 

Art galleries must include the name of all artists, along with a brief overview of 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 topic related to the exhibition theme.

It also encourages artists to contribute through their work, the highly important cultural message of the artwork, to represent the dangers threatening wildlife and strengthening efforts to protect it, while also preserving cultural heritage. 

To inspire the artists and unleash their creative imagination, 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, via e-mail. Unfinished artwork may be submitted as well. The Committee will announce the list of artworks approved by August 30. 

All artworks are subject to the requirements set in the Arts and Crafts Sector Guidelines by the Organizing Committee. Artists are required to send a video clip of themselves creating the artworks they wish to submit, no later than July 20. The videos can be viewed and shared through the exhibition’s social media accounts or website, after obtaining the artist’s approval. 

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

ADIHEX is the Middle East and Africa’s largest annual event dedicated to the sectors of hunting, equestrian and the promotion and preservation of environment and cultural heritage.

The Higher Organizing Committee organises artistic competitions, in line with its effort to preserve local heritage, highlight traditional sports, contribute to the recording of wildlife and the desert environment, and shed light on the position that falcons and horses occupy in the UAE.

Facilities are being provided in 2021 so that visitors can watch rising stars and experienced artists create their masterpieces live each day at the Art Wall. The Future Artists Wall is being organised with a view to encourage and inspire future generations of artists.

Winning entries of the art competition run among art students in private and public schools as well as summer camps before the event, will be shown. There will also be a Future Artists Competition for young, artistic talent.