His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, has reiterated his ministry’s support for artists and creative Emirati talent through a range of large scale initiatives, the latest of which is the Artist In-Residence Program. This came during the program launch by Sheikh Nahyan at the Blue Hall Arts Centre in New York University Abu Dhabi yesterday. “This program, which aims, God willing, to spread more positivity and excitement in our dear Nation’s intellectual and creative environment, will help us communicate, support, motivate and celebrate creative artists and their achievements across the UAE. These creative artists reflect our pride in our national identity and our loyalty to this dear country. “, commented Sheikh Nahyan during the launch of the program. “The Ministry, in this program, employs the expertise of international institutions in the field of cultural residency across its centers in Abu Dhabi, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah as an initial step. A number of creative artists will be chosen to stay in cultural centers for specific periods of time and the Ministry will provide them with necessary facilities and endowments to motivate their creativity, innovation and achievement. This will also provide them with an atmosphere that will help implement and develop their ideas and innovations into successful economic projects.”, noted Sheikh Nahyan. “We hope, God willing, that this will contribute to enhancing the cultural scene in the UAE by adding rich cultural and artistic content to libraries, exhibitions and theaters. Truly and genuinely reflecting the spirit of our Nation and translating its hopes and aspirations. “, added Sheikh Nahyan. Shaikh Nahyan lauded the various partnerships of the Ministry with international institutions specialized in cultural residency programs which adds to the program a global dimension. In this program, cultural centers will be home to a number of intellectuals to conduct forums, sessions, discussions and training programs for Emirati intellectuals. On the other hand, the program will also support and train more than 300 talented students from schools and universities in the fields of theater, music, fine arts and creative writing of poetry, stories and novels. “Artist In-Residence Program embodies the values and principles of the UAE journey. It is by the grace of God, that we live in a country with a deeply rooted heritage, an extended history and continuously growing culture.”, continued Sheikh Nahyan. He added: “Our Nation enjoys a deeply rooted cultural environment, supported by genuine people capable of creating civilization and history, and driven by artists, writers, and thinkers who are keen to utilize their God given talents and abilities. It is by the grace of God , that we live under a national apprehensive leadership, which encourages enlightened thought, supports creativity and innovation, and is keen on making people happy.” The program, reflects the Ministry’s objective of making the UAE an international hub for culture and knowledge in a systematic and thoughtful manner. The program also aims to invest in the talents of 300 creative students who participated in the national program “Cultural Summer”. Turning their talents and hobbies into cultural production, supported by the Ministry in its local and international events. Sheikh Nahyan noted that the program provides an environment allowing creativity, innovation and dialogue among a group of creative artists, where they meet to share their experiences and talents. His Excellency pointed out that the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, through the Artist In-Resident Program, aims to turn cultural centers into yearlong creativity hubs across the UAE. The program will also help build new collaborations with various educational and youth institutions and will play a prominent role in creating an intellectual society. Sheikh Nahyan noted: “The focus on the development of cultural and artistic talents form the basis of the Ministry’s work . Knowledge production, dissemination and application form an important pillar in the development of national wealth and in the support of comprehensive renaissance. It is also an essential tool to achieve progress in various areas of human activity. “We in the United Arab Emirates are proud of the wise vision of the leaders of this beloved country and their support of culture and knowledge, in addition to the creative abilities of young talents.”, assured Sheikh Nahyan. “I would like to express my pride in the efforts exerted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE, in the promotion of our nation’s march and in the establishment of a successful and creative national environment for culture and arts. This in turn contributes to the achievement of our national goals and the development of our Nation, under the guidance of our wise leadership Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, His Highness the members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates. On the sidelines of the launch, the ministry, represented by Afra Al Sabri, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, signed an agreement of cooperation with NYU Abu Dhabi, which was represented by Dr. Alfred Bloom, Vice Chairman, as part of combined efforts to strengthen collaboration, boost knowledge exchange and enhance cooperation in the fields of art, culture and knowledge development in the UAE. The agreement discussed the need to focus on artistic and intellectual activities related to the national identity, through the implementation of joint activities, projects, conferences, symposia and training courses, aimed at promoting national identity and achieving cultural and community development. The agreement also includes cooperation and coordination with the arts center at the New York University Abu Dhabi to activate and support all aspects of art events in the fields of music, theater, poetry, cinema, family festivals such as the Barzakh festival, in addition to cultural and intellectual celebrations. The agreement, additionally, includes collaborating in launching various competitions to enhance and develop students’ skills and talents, which would lead to empowering young people artistically in the region. Cooperation also includes exchanging experiences and best practices between both parties. “This collaboration, which receives direct support from His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, marks the beginning of a true partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi in all fields related to the development of culture and knowledge” , commented Al Sabri. She further stressed that the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development strives to activate partnerships with various institutions to achieve the strategic objectives of the Ministry and the vision of our wise leadership for sustainable cultural and knowledge development. On the other hand, Alfred Bloom NYU Abu Dhabi Vice Chancellor said during his speech “The arts are a central component of excellence of NYU Abu Dhabi across our educational programs, research, and engagement and community outreach. They inspire understanding of the complexity and beauty of the human creative spirit, open roads to deeper appreciation of individual and cultural differences, and lead to a clearer recognition of how much we share as human beings in our ideals as to what constitutes a better world, and in our shared resolve to move towards such a world. Given our own embrace of the arts, we are particularly honored to partner with the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development to deepen and broaden the engagement with the arts across the UAE.”