8 Places In Dubai To Get Your FREE Art Fix
Comedians, poets, dancers, actors, musicians, artists, writers - The Junction is a versatile place for artists and groups. This dainty little spot is where local and regional talent can thrive, creators and performers can risk being original, and collaboration and mutual development can occur. A hub for artists, The Junction is Alserkal¡¯s only black box theatre, with performances to watch out for.
1. The Junction at Alserkal Avenue (Episode Plug)
Comedians, poets, dancers, actors, musicians, artists, writers - The Junction is a versatile place for artists and groups. This dainty little spot is where local and regional talent can thrive, creators and performers can risk being original, and collaboration and mutual development can occur. A hub for artists, The Junction is Alserkal¡¯s only black box theatre, with performances to watch out for.
The Junction has proudly hosted a fabulous array of performances ranging from dance to magic shows, stand-up comedy gigs, singing festivals and much more. Watch out as Amol Parashar speaks to its founder, Gautam Goenka in our latest episode of Dubai Like A Local - as he explores the art scene in Dubai!
In the past, The Junction has treated theatre lovers to classics like Pahari Bicchey (Mountain Scorpion)- an adaptation of popular Bengali play, Blind City, etc. Besides, the venue also hosted Discover FADO - a musical performance by Portuguese singer Ana Lai?ns. That¡¯s not all! The Junction also hosts shows based on true stories. ¡®Still Dancing¡¯ for example, was an attempt to create awareness about Parkinson's Disease and show the real-life issues and challenges faced by people with PD and their families.
2. Trace the history of UAE¡¯s coins at the Coins Museum
Dubai Culture
Home to over 500 Middle Eastern coins, the Coins Museum is located in Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood. The museum houses two floors, where you can discover coins from different historical eras. Besides, you can enjoy an insight through the electronic drop-down list that flashes detailed information. The museum has eight rooms, each with a different theme of historical significance ranging from the Arab-Sasanian period.
3. Stroll through the heritage area at Al Seef
Recently restored and developed, Al Seef¡¯s heritage area will walk you through the Emirati culture and history. Dotted with wind-towers and sandstone buildings, a stroll through the charming alleyways will offer a glimpse of Dubai¡¯s proud past. Besides, the venue has a floating market hosting Emirati handicrafts and popups dedicated to local cuisine. Enjoy a local meal by the creek, shop for Emirati handicrafts, or take a stroll. Whatever you do, this place will educate you on the country¡¯s rich heritage.
4. Enjoy free art exhibitions and workshops at Foundry
A newbie in Downtown, Foundry is a hybrid progressive art space founded to support the evolving cultural scene in the UAE. The venue boasts a collaborative open work space, podcast studio, micro-library, caf¨¦ and surrounding gallery spaces. This apart, Foundry also offers a comprehensive programme of exhibitions, commissions, workshops, talks and film screenings, bringing the region¡¯s art and culture under one roof.
Lastly, Foundry also includes a cosy caf¨¦ where you can grab a coffee and a bite to eat. And yes, you can (carefully) wander around the entire art space with a coffee in hand as you take in all the stunning art and installations.
5. Appreciate art pieces by world-renowned artists at Downtown Dubai
One walk down this area, you¡¯ll happily spot stunning art pieces by renowned artists. From the Wings of Mexico by Jorge Marin, to Love Me by Richard Hudson, the art installations here are sure to wow you. The Wings of Mexico was created in 2010, and represents the hopes and dreams of the Central American nation¡¯s citizens. The striking design consists of two wings of bronze placed on an iron frame- perfect to spam your gram. Besides, its pivotal location provides good Instagram photo ops.
6. Jameel Arts Centre
Located in Jaddaf Waterfront, Jameel Arts Centre is an autonomous centre that supports local artists. The independent art institution is known as a thriving artistic community, with captivating and poignant artworks regularly exhibited. Engage with like-minded individuals, professional artists, experts and amateurs while pursuing your passion.
The institute also conducts workshops, guest lectures, talks, research and commissions. In addition, the centre boasts expansive gardens, a 200-seat amphitheatre, and the Sculpture Park ¨C an outdoor gallery with fantastic works by a range of artists - perfect for artistic minds.
7. Diyafah Street
Second December or Diyafah Street is literally like a walk down a museum. Back then, an initiative called the ¡®Dubai Street Museum¡¯ was rolled out to transform the area into an open art gallery, replete with graffiti and stencils. If you¡¯ve got a thing for murals, and street art, you¡¯ll enjoy walking around Diyafah. The shops and apartments in this area boast stunning designs and catchy murals; all the hard work of local artists. Take a stroll around and spot murals and vibrant street art adorning the walls of the area. Oh, and don¡¯t forget to carry your camera along!
8. Hatta Heritage Village
Get a sneak peek into what Dubai¡¯s first villages looked like at the Hatta Heritage Village. Composed of about 30 buildings, including houses, meeting rooms, an 18th-century mosque, and fortifications, the Hatta Heritage Village transports visitors to life as it was a century ago. Visitors can check out the governor¡¯s house, watchtowers, and falaj water channels, which were once used to irrigate local farms. There¡¯s also a display of furnishings, weapons, and other artefacts that reveal how the villagers lived.
Sitting on the edges of Hatta, approximately 135 kilometres east of Dubai, the Hatta Heritage Village will appeal to history buffs and anyone interested in Emirati culture.
