Public Art Program – Abu Dhabi
In 2020, VELVENOIR was invited to develop a distinctive public art program for a landmark development in Abu Dhabi — one that would not only transform a site but contribute meaningfully to the city’s cultural landscape.
Curated collaboratively by Inês Valle, Alexandra Schafer, and over seven international advisors from the VELVENOIR Collective, the program was designed with a clear vision: to create encounters with contemporary art that endure across generations, while supporting the cultural ambitions of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 Vision.
Our curatorial proposal blended a diverse mix of mid-career and established artists from multiple nationalities. Each was selected not only for their artistic stature but also for their ability to create large-scale, site-specific works that speak to both local identity and global audiences.
These commissions were conceived as more than installations. They were envisioned as cultural anchors — touchpoints for dialogue, reflection, and pride. They invite residents and visitors alike to engage, to share, and to weave art into their everyday experiences.