In a groundbreaking celebration of public art, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) launches its inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, titled Public Matter, a large-scale art initiative inviting over 70 contemporary artists from the UAE and around the globe.
Open now and running until 30th April 2025, this monumental exhibition aims to transform both Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with unique, site-specific installations that explore and redefine the notion of “public” in a modern Emirati context.
Celebrating Cultural Resonance in Public Spaces
The Public Matter theme challenges artists to rethink what it means for a space to be truly public, shaping their creations to reflect Abu Dhabi’s distinct blend of environment, architecture, and diverse communal life. By embedding installations throughout key locations—most notably in the bustling downtowns of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain—the Biennial fosters encounters that invite locals and visitors alike to explore art as an open and inclusive experience.
Highlighting the emirate’s commitment to creative growth, the event underscores Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a cultural hub for the Global South. “Through the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, we provide a platform for the community to celebrate our cultural heritage and draw inspiration from contemporary artistry,” said DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. “Our goal is to ensure transformative, inclusive, and accessible art encounters for everyone in our community.”
A Dynamic Array of Artistic Expressions
The Biennial promises to enchant with installations that incorporate various aspects of urban and natural landscapes, each carefully crafted to engage the public in new ways. Highlights include Oscar Murillo’s ambitious 80-meter canvas along Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, a striking commentary on urban expansion, and Zeinab Alhashemi’s homage to the city’s Central Bus Terminal, which examines the interplay between nature and urban development. Other notable installations include Farah Al Qasimi’s auditory sculpture, a reflection on the ocean’s enduring influence, and Christopher Joshua Benton’s reimagining of the Carpet Souq, which enlivens this marketplace as a gathering space.
“This Biennial not only celebrates the city’s heritage but invites our community to form personal connections with our shared spaces,” said Rita Aoun, DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector Executive Director. “Our initiatives are designed to enrich the cultural identity of the emirate and strengthen the pride of residents, as well as provide visitors with a profound connection to the city’s unique narrative.”
Investing in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Future
With an annual investment of over $35 million, Public Art Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the emirate’s commitment to nurturing creative industries and cultural legacy. The Biennial, a key pillar of this initiative, will alternate each year with the Manar Abu Dhabi light art exhibition, which captivated over 650,000 visitors in its debut edition. Both exhibitions are a significant part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision to create immersive experiences that honor the emirate’s past while embracing its future.
By bringing diverse cultural expressions to life within the vibrant public spaces of Abu Dhabi, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial promises to be more than an art event—it is a celebration of the community, a dialogue across cultures, and a commitment to an inclusive artistic future.
abudhabiculture.ae/en/learn/cultural-programmes/public-art-abu-dhabi-biennial
