Osaka: ADMAF, UAE Pavilion hosts Abu Dhabi Festival's 'Art @Embassies' Talk at Expo 2025 Osaka. Held under the founding honorary patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the event took place at the UAE Pavilion on 15th July. The panel brought together Emirati and Japanese artists to explore themes of identity, materiality, memory, and the pace of life.
According to Emirates News Agency, the discussion is part of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation's (ADMAF) Abroad Programme, which promotes human connection through the arts. Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and the Abu Dhabi Festival, emphasized that the initiative, now in its third year, continues ADMAF's mission of fostering global artistic exchange.
The dialogue, presented in collaboration with the UAE Embassy in Japan, featured young Emirati artists Shaikha Al Ketbi and Sarah Al Mehairi, alongside Chiaki Soma of Tokyo University of the Arts. The talk focused on contemporary themes related to place and memory, exploring the contrasts between slowness and acceleration in life. This initiative has previously traveled to cities like London, Paris, and Seoul, aiming to deepen friendship and cooperation between UAE and Japanese artists, with Japan being this year's Guest Country of Honour.
Shihab Alfaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, highlighted the power of art as a medium for empathy, dialogue, and innovation. He praised the Art @ Embassies initiative for showcasing the UAE's creative spirit and strengthening international bonds.
Shaikha Al Ketbi, Deputy Commissioner General and Creative Director of the Pavilion, noted that the space is dedicated to amplifying Emirati voices and celebrating cultural diplomacy through initiatives like Art @ Embassies. The panel reflected the UAE Pavilion's Earth to Ether theme, which emphasizes the connection between heritage and progress.
In addition to the panel, ADMAF and the UAE Pavilion are hosting several cultural initiatives at Expo 2025 Osaka. Emirati calligrapher Mohamed Mandi and Japanese master Juichi Yoshikawa collaborated on a work blending Arabic and Japanese calligraphy. A rolling residency titled 'Guest Artists Takeover' features Emirati artists transforming the Pavilion's creative space through workshops and live sessions.
In August, winners of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2025 from NYU Abu Dhabi, Sara Farha and Khaled Shalkha, will lead innovation-focused workshops at the Pavilion, encouraging artistic experimentation and cultural dialogue. These programmes aim to showcase the UAE's artistic voice and promote Abu Dhabi's cultural vision to a global audience.