Alserkal Art Month 2026 Strengthens UAE’s Arts Ecosystem with Month-Long Celebration
Alserkal Avenue is set to transform its traditional format by hosting Alserkal Art Month from April 18 to May 18, 2026. This initiative aims to showcase the resilience of the UAE’s arts scene while fostering connections among artists and cultural practitioners during challenging times.
A Month of Diverse Artistic Events
The comprehensive program will feature a wide range of events, including art exhibitions, installations, and poetry readings from notable figures within the region. The final week will culminate in a collaboration with Art Dubai 2026, showcasing commissioned works as part of the annual fair.
Featured Installations and Thematic Inspiration
The month’s lineup draws inspiration from Shilpa Gupta’s installation Still They Know Not What I Dream, currently displayed at The Yard. Gupta has also created a new installation titled Still A Sky We Hold, which serves as the thematic backbone of the month-long event. Basmah El Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue, noted that the program will include 16 gallery exhibitions and six warehouse takeovers, signaling a rich series of cultural offerings. The specific weekly events schedule will be announced via Alserkal Avenue’s social media channels.
Community Engagement and Support
In addition to exhibitions, the Alserkal Arts Foundation is actively engaging the local community. Initiatives include studio takeovers and reading groups led by artist Chafa Ghaddar, as well as open studios featuring Alla Abdunabi and Maryam Ahli. The foundation continues to provide research grants to creative practitioners within its network, further bolstering the local arts community.
Curated Exhibitions and Conversations
Until May 5, the exhibition Déjà Vu will be on display, featuring artists from 18 of the UAE’s top contemporary galleries. Curated by Kevin Jones, Nada Raza, and Zaina Zaarour, this exhibition delves into historical cycles and the psychological toll of repetition. Concurrently, Nadine Khalil is organizing a series of Majlis Talks aimed at facilitating discussions around art and culture.
Closing Events and Art Dubai Collaboration
The closing week of Alserkal Art Month, from May 12 to 17, will present Moving, a curated selection of moving image works in collaboration with Art Dubai. These pieces will be screened at both The Yard and the fair venue, which will occur simultaneously at Madinat Jumeirah.
Alserkal Art Month offers a timely and enriching experience for those seeking inspiration and dialogue within the arts, continuing until May 18. For more details, visit www.mojeh.com.
