Strategic Pillars

ADMAF is guided by a strategy of three principles and corresponding objectives that support the organisation’s vision and drive its mission.

  1. Abu Dhabi as a Global Beacon of Arts and Culture
    Through its flagship, the Abu Dhabi Festival, ADMAF creates rich cultural experiences at home and abroad, furthering Abu Dhabi as a leading cultural capital and positioning it as a cultural and artistic destination through co-productions and co-commissions. This festival of firsts presents the world’s greatest artists and performers to the UAE. And, in partnerships with prominent cultural organisations abroad, the festival expands Abu Dhabi’s contributions on the global stage, strengthening the city’s and the nation’s presence in the international creative conversation.Objectives

    • Investing in creative potential in all art forms and advocating for cultural diplomacy
      • Initiatives:
        • Abu Dhabi Festival – Welcoming the greatest artists of the world to Abu Dhabi to share and present their talent. It is the only festival in the Arab World that also has a strong presence abroad, contributing to world-class content at historic venues and venerable institution through co-commissions and co-productions, fostering mutual understanding and making history that will be preserved for generations.
    • Contributing to and taking part in the performing arts at a global level
      • Initiatives:
        • Presenting, co-commissioning & co- producing – Partnering with international arts organisations, institutions and festivals to present new works in Abu Dhabi and on a global stage, strengthening the capitol’s presence abroad with history-making contributions to international creative content.
        • Supporting Arab artists and performers abroad – A programme to give the most talented Arab artists and performers an opportunity to present their work to international audiences on the most world-renowned stages.
        • Composers platform – Supporting musicians of the Arab World to compose and present their work in Abu Dhabi and on a global stage, producing high-quality recordings and preserving traditional Arab music.
    • Supporting the growth of the visual arts in the UAE and expanding our presence abroad
      • Initiatives:
        • Visual Arts Exhibitions – Touring and exhibiting works by the world’s most talented emerging and established artists at prominent institutions in the UAE and around the world.
        • The Nationals’ Gallery – An online directory to grow the community of Emirati artists in the UAE by connecting them to galleries, institutions and collectors, and serving as a go-to database for this exchange.
        • ADMAF art Collection – The Foundation’s collection of works by Emirati and Emirates-based artists supports artists directly through the acquisition of their work, has a strong provenance to remain for generations to come, and is well- curated to tell the history of the nation’s visual art scene.
  2. An Incubator for Arts and Creativity
    As a gateway to knowledge, ADMAF invests in the youth of the nation, empowering them to realize their dreams and ambitions. In partnership with academic institutions, and through programmes that develop creative skills and free creative thinking, ADMAF drives innovation, supports artistic growth and rewards excellence to foster the development of the UAE’s culture and creative industries.
    Objectives

    • Providing a gateway to knowledge
      • Initiatives:
        • STEAM (the intersection of science, technology, engineering, arts and math) – Through the arts, we reach the youth in workshops and performances that inspire and support them to innovate in science, technology, engineering, art and math.
        • Festival in Focus – Master classes and rehearsals with the world’s leading artists to inspire the youth through hands-on learning opportunities.
        • Riwaq Al Fikr talks series – Innovators, inventors, thought leaders and brilliant minds in a dynamic conversation series that opens the doors to creativity, sharing inspiring experiences and nurturing creativity in every field.
    • Developing creative leadership
      • Initiatives:
        • Young Philanthropists – Working with the youth of the UAE to guide them on the path towards philanthropy in the arts and culture.
        • Young Entrepreneurs – Providing enterprising youth with skills to start a business from the ground up.
        • Young Media Leaders – Enhancing knowledge and building skills through programmes and internships in the UAE and abroad to help Emirates-based youth develop careers in print journalism, photojournalism, digital media and broadcast journalism as emerging leaders in UAE media.
        • Riwaq Al Adab Wal Kitab – Developing literary creativity, intellectual growth and nurturing UAE publishing by working with established and upcoming authors.
        • Artist’s Studio – Enhancing knowledge and building skills through programmes and internships in the UAE and abroad to help Emirates-based youth develop careers in print journalism, photojournalism, digital media and broadcast journalism as emerging leaders in UAE media.
        • UAE Theatre Circle – Theatre production, workshops, training sessions and hands-on skill-building seminars in all aspects of production and all genres to support emerging theatre professionals and the growth of the theatre scene in the UAE.
        • Young Filmmaker’s Circle – Film production by emerging and established filmmakers to advance their careers with workshops, discussions, partnerships and grants.
        • ADMAF Internships and Cultural Management – A professional development programme for cultural professionals from diverse disciplines, designed to instil skills and build networks for long-term creative partnerships across the UAE, with practical experience working across rapidly changing fields.
        • Nurturing People of Determination – Capacity building opportunities to develop skills and actively participate in society around the arts in a spirit of inclusion.
    • Rewarding excellence
      • Initiatives:
        • Awards – Recognising talent and investing in the skills and the future of young creatives working in all fields of the arts.
        • Grants and Scholarships – Support for Emiratis in higher education in the culture and creative industries, both locally and internationally, including mentoring, residencies and training.
  3. An Active Force for Social Unity and Creative Communities
    Engaging people of every background and ability in shared experiences to foster cultural expression, forge unity and support the vitality of our society.Objectives:

    • Creating partnerships for social good and supporting health and wellness through the arts 
      • Initiatives:
        • Healing Through the Arts – Incorporating the power of arts and culture into the healing process through visual art and performances in partnerships with community organisations and healthcare institutions.
        • Treasuring Traditions – We revive the very best of traditional art and culture, inspiring artists and designers to celebrate those traditions by incorporating them into new and innovative work in art, fashion, jewelry, design and architecture.
    • Providing platforms for cultural expression
      • Initiatives:
        • Festival in the Park – A multi-faceted cultural celebration for people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds to come together in celebration of creativity through performances, workshops, film screenings and much more.
        • Arts and the Environment – ADMAF raises awareness of crucial environmental issues through the arts in performances, workshops and commissions that address environmental conservation and sustainability.

 

3 pillars, 1 foundation.

A home for creative minds, innovation and progress.

We rise by lifting others.