ADMAF ties up with British Council for greater cultural collaboration

As the Abu Dhabi Festival 2012 draws to a close plans are being set in motion for future collaborations, to ensure momentum is sustained after the Festival finishes. At the Emirates Palace today the British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural and educational relations, signed a Letter of Cooperation with Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF).

The Letter of Cooperation, which will strengthen the ties of cultural diplomacy between the UAE and UK, was officially signed by Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation and Sir Vernon Ellis, Chairman of the British Council.

Partnerships with elite organizations from the UK, including the Royal Opera House – London, Manchester International Festival and Edinburgh International Festival amongst others have been celebrated during the 2012 Festival through the appointment of the UK as Country of Honour. This strategic agreement officially acknowledges the existence of common principles and goals, as well as complementary strengths that provide a rich basis for mutual cooperation and collaboration between both nations.

The collaboration will focus on events, performances and concerts that will celebrate local Arabic talent alongside the talents of British musicians and artists and nurture capacity in arts and cultural management more broadly. 'Beloved Friend', which was performed to a sell-out crowd as part of Abu Dhabi Festival, marks the beginning of ADMAF's strategic partnership with the Royal Opera House and sets a platform for future collaboration.

“It is an absolute privilege to sign this Letter of Cooperation with the British Council. The Success of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi Festival is built on cultural partnerships. International partnerships and global alliances enable us to further foster artistic innovation, exchange and promotion, both locally and internationally, and unite cultures through a love for music and the festival’s future ambitions. With the British Council’s support we look forward to further establishing the UAE as a platform for international dialogue between the many cultures of the world,” said Mrs Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival.

The Letter of Cooperation includes the provision of joint activities that foster the growth, development and awareness of arts education in the UAE will be created; particular attention will be placed on children, young people and communities, raising the profile and acceptance of cultural expression and cultivating creativity in these focus groups. The collaboration will also include sharing resources to support communications and exchange and promotion both locally and internationally.

After signing the Letter of Cooperation, Sir Vernon Ellis noted: “I’m very pleased to be here in Abu Dhabi to signal the start of the partnership between British Council and Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation. The UAE is definitely at the forefront of leading the region’s artistic re-awakening and the Foundation stands out, for its commitment not only to excellence in the arts, but also to developing professional capacity and nurturing new audiences. With expertise and knowledge from the UK, we hope the partnership will help develop the next generation of Emirati artists and technicians and in doing so, to create a truly sustainable footing for the arts in Abu Dhabi.”

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