Diplomatic Academy and Music Foundation Explore Arts as Cultural Bridge
A distinguished panel convened at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy to examine how artistic expression strengthens national identity and fosters international dialogue, accompanied by a curated exhibition of contemporary works.
The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation hosted a panel discussion centred upon the profound influence of arts and culture in fortifying national identity, elevating the UAE’s standing on the global stage, and fostering meaningful connections amongst peoples. Held as part of the distinguished ‘Riwaq Al Fikr’ programme, the session titled ‘A Nation in Dialogue: Arts, Culture & the UAE’s Global Engagement’ brought together leading voices in cultural affairs and diplomacy to examine how creative endeavour functions as an instrument of soft power and international understanding.
The panel comprised Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University; Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival; and Isobel Abulhoul, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation. The esteemed participants explored the multifaceted dimensions of cultural diplomacy, considering how artistic initiatives might strengthen international partnerships and advance mutual comprehension.
Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo emphasised the transformative capacity of cultural engagement, noting that Emirati artists serve as ambassadors for their nation upon the world stage. She highlighted how authentic artistic expression embodies the UAE’s cultural identity and enhances its international presence, whilst initiatives through the Abu Dhabi Festival and the Foundation continue to nurture emerging talent and facilitate their access to leading international platforms. She observed that culture’s genuine impact transcends mere attendance figures, instead residing in the mutual trust it inspires and the enduring friendships it cultivates.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director-General of the Academy, underscored the intrinsic connection between artistic practice and diplomatic endeavour. He noted that engagement with diverse cultural expressions constitutes an essential component of contemporary diplomatic practice. The collaboration enriches the Academy’s educational experience, affording students the opportunity to examine how creativity and artistic expression might facilitate dialogue and express the UAE’s values to the world.
The panel discussion was accompanied by the unveiling of an exhibition drawn from the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation’s distinguished collection. Featuring selected works by Narjes Noureddine, Michael Rice, Layla Juma, Salama Nasib, Patricia Millns and Hazem Harb, the exhibition will remain at the Academy throughout the forthcoming year, providing an opportunity to integrate artistic practice into the diplomatic institution’s learning environment and deepen future practitioners’ understanding of how creativity engenders trust and comprehension between nations.
Source: WAM