AAF
ARAB ART FORUM

“One seeks in a work of art the existence of the world.”*

Art is visual poetry; it renders a nation’s culture tangible opening portals to its history, politics, religions, social life, myths, superstitions, aesthetic perception, in short its very existence.

This fact is the “raison d’être” of the Arab Art Forum, a cultural meet for the Arab artist, a venue for a permanent exhibition that will enhance the appreciation of the Arab contemporary art exposing the artistic treasures of the Arab World, its marvelous masterpieces, all testimonials to its glorious history.

The components that standout and enrich the diversified legacy are: Phoenician and Punic, Arab Islamic, Christian, barbarian, urban, rural, traditional and modern. Sumer, Babylon, the Pharoes’ Egypt, the cradles of ancient civilizations all are treasure sources of a multi – faceted culture – a culture that has not been given the respect and attention that it merits.

Hence the Arab Art Forum.

The AAF will be a hub for artists, a cultural forum as well as a venue for a permanent exhibition that will aim to enhance the appreciation of Arab contemporary art; it shall also be a discussion milieu on major trends that influence the arts in the world

I. Program

1. An introduction to Arab art will be offered via high technology.
2. Using the various art subjects as venues, both children and adults will be taken on an imaginary voyage through time and beauty.
3. Workshop on visual arts will be coordinated by the artists.
4. Cultural activities in various art fields such as conferences, projections, etc… will be organized.
5. A permanent Arab Art Forum venue will be stationed in major Arab capitals.

II. The Art Marketing in the Arab Countries

The AAF integrates perfectly in the current Arab socio cultural boom through:

1. The well pronounced economic development in the Maghreb, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, where a huge touristic surge is underway.
2. The noticeably high demand for artistic activity namely in the Arab Gulf countries, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
3. For instance The “Musée du Louvre” project and the “Guggenheim” the opening of the “Paris – Sorbonne – Abu Dhabi University”
4. The Christies art sales in Dubai.
5. The huge real estate and hotel projects resulting in the emergence of new ultra, modern cities.
6. The immense infrastructure and real estate projects are underway in Qatar with new ultra modern cities emerging.
7. Bahrain and Oman are also picking up with the region big boom.

III. Warranty of Success:

1. Existence of a great buying power with a new interest to art.
2. Profusion of art in countries of conflict as well in the Arab world.
3. Diversity of creativity between modern, figurative and calligraphy.
4. Awakening of a touristic attraction within the Arab world and more and more between the Machrek and the Maghreb countries.

IV. An Itinerant Exhibition

Type of Exhibition:

The first phase of this project will be dedicated to artists from countries at war and to those suffering major crises. The exhibition will show the trends of contemporary Arab painting through more than a hundred works from Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Arab Art Forum, a privileged platform of art, will seek to illustrate the aspects of the rich Arab civilization, by organizing scheduled exhibitions that will tour through the Arab capitals with the objective of:
1. Drawing attention to visual arts: paintings, sculpture, design and photography.
2. Working for the recognition of Arab artists.
3. Attracting the attention to the state of artists facing difficult situations, namely those in conflict countries like Iraq, Lebanon, and Palestine, whose art works depict to their history.
4. Encouraging and supporting young backgrounds.
5. Honoring recognized artists.
6. Enhancing inter-Arab cultural exchange, between the Maghreb and the Machrek
7. Insuring the perpetuity of the artistic heritage.

V. Itinerary of the Exhibition:

The exhibition will be inaugurated in Algeria, proclaimed this year "Capital of the Arab Culture 2007”
Later on, it will be presented in Tunis and Casablanca. Then onward to the Arab Gulf countries.
The patronage of the Ministries of Culture in every country, where the exhibition will take place, will be requested in collaboration with the local cultural organizations.

VI. Supporters of the Forum:

The Arab Forum has obtained the support and auspices of:

- ALESCO: Arab League for Education Science and Culture Organisation. Tunis.
- IMA : Institut du Monde Arab. Paris

VII. Media Coverage:

A press campaign will be launched covering the different Arab media:
- Printed media
- Television locals and internationals
- National, regional and local radio channels

VIII. Financing:

Fundraising, Sponsoring and Donations

The financing will rely on the sponsorship of large institutions: banks, cultural foundations, Arab Foundation for Development and on patronages of the hosting countries.
Cooperation with airline and insurance companies will guarantee the safe conduct of all material.
Recognition to sponsors and donors will be through the display of logos in publications, media coverage, and written material, flyers, etc…

* Alain Bonfand, art critic

For more information, Please contact:

Arab Art Forum
Tel: + 961.5.959525 / 6
Fax:+ 961.5.959527
aartforum@gmail.com
P.O.B: 319 Hazmieh
Beirut - Lebanon