Will the UAE emerge as a top international centre for contemporary art?

Opera Gallery is aware of the need to raise awareness about art and how to invest in it in the region. It recently held a couple of conferences with The Royal Academy of Art, London and City Group. The Academy CEO came to Dubai for educating people on nuances of investing in art.

The gallery GM observes that those used to investing in the stock market or real estate usually have apprehensions about putting their money into art. According to Epaud, all one has needs to do is specifying the amount of investment, pick the work of art, and approach the gallery for a consultation. The gallery then directs buyers to the most suitable auction."

Managing Partner at Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock feels art exhibits should be hosted in galleries of the highest international standard. Also, quality books should be released by reputable publishers. Museums should display prominent collections as well for the art scene to flourish further. He has been quoted as saying by The Gulf News:

"Research is important; knowledge is imperative; you should know what series the work is from, its medium and if it has featured in any recent publications. It's important to have knowledge of past prices, which collections, public and private, hold or have held the work, which books and catalogues are related to it, and also knowledge of artists, dealers, collectors and museum officials. Buyers must be totally informed when it comes to modern Middle Eastern art; there are only a handful of people that are actually well-informed here."

Is the UAE likely to be counted among the top-notch international cities of art like Paris, Florence and New York? To be on par with these art centers, it will need more orientation and right direction. It will take some time to reach this prime position, experts believe. It can be made possible by educating future generations about art.

An art instructor associated with Dubai International Art Centre, Rita Nicola, points out, women in particular are attracted to the subject. No surprise, most art centres in the UAE have seen an unprecedented demand from women. Currently the Dubai International Art Centre has about 35 students. Most of them are women. For many, art is much more than just a passing interest.” According to her, art has obviously become a lucrative business in the UAE.