Abu Dhabi seeks closer cultural ties with world’s largest festival site

Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has signed a letter of cooperation with Southbank Centre, the world’s largest festival site, home to the Royal festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Hayward Gallery, and four world-class orchestras.

The agreement covers common principles, goals and areas of common interest for joint collaboration in culture and education, a statement said.

It added that the letter was signed by Huda Ebrahim Alkhamis OBE, founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Jude Kelly CBE, artistic director of the Southbank Centre.

The Southbank Centre reaches over 6 million people a year and encompasses over 5,000 events with world-class artists. The collaboration with ADMAF will empower original artistic expression while working to preserve the UAE’s cultural legacy and inspire creativity and cultivate emerging talent.

The agreement will focus on enhancing the strategic value of individual cultural exchange projects through mutually beneficial programmes, and aid in collaboration leading to joint commissions, artistic creations and educational initiatives.

The partnership will also encourage exchange, dialogue and other opportunities for cultural professionals and practitioners to foster greater understanding in all aspects of cultural and artistic development.

Alkhamis said: “We are delighted to join the Southbank Centre to nurture artistic excellence across multiple artform disciplines, particularly through initiatives that will further innovative forms of expression and empower women in culture and society such as the Women of the World Festival.”

Kelly added: “Southbank Centre connects with the world in order to further not just culture but the idea of the role of peace, harmony and progress. It is one of the most strategic decisions we take to partner with people and organisations such as the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, who share our values.”