Government

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has successfully concluded its Japan Art & Culture Delegation Programme, a transformative cultural exchange initiative supported by the Sikka Platform. Designed to expand global opportunities for Emirati and UAE-based creatives, the programme is part of the Dubai Cultural Grant under the broader Dubai Quality of Life Strategy.

Led by Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, the delegation aimed to strengthen cultural diplomacy and position Dubai as a global arts hub. Al Suwaidi emphasized the initiative’s importance in bridging borders and creating opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration with international art institutions, universities, and creative leaders.

“This programme opens new prospects for creatives to engage with global artistic trends while anchoring their practices in our rich heritage,” Al Suwaidi said. “It’s about building the creative economy and empowering talent to thrive on an international level.”

A Journey Through Japan’s Cultural Landscape

The 10-day immersive programme took participants across Tokyo, Osaka, and surrounding regions, where they explored Japan’s most iconic art landmarks and institutions. Highlights included visits to the Mori Art Museum, National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo (MOMAT), MOA Museum of Art, and the Yayoi Kusama Museum. Delegates engaged in dialogues with thought leaders such as visionary architect Sou Fujimoto and museum directors like Yayoi Komatsu and Akira Tatehata.

The group also visited cutting-edge institutions and studios such as TeamLab, CFCL, A-1 Pictures animation studio, 21_21 Design Sight by Tadao Ando, and design powerhouses like Postalco, Takram, and Karimoku.

The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, themed "From Earth to Ether", served as a key stop, celebrating the UAE’s achievements in sustainability, healthcare, and space exploration, and showcasing the fusion of technology and culture.

A Diverse and Distinguished Delegation

The programme featured a curated delegation of UAE-based and regional creatives including:

• Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum – Artist and Curator

• Kamla AlOlama – Designer and Curator

• Amna Al Zaabi – Researcher and Senior Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi

• Latifa Saeed – Multidisciplinary Artist

• Fatma Al Ali – Artist focused on collective memory and oral history

• Alanood Bukhammas – Graphic Design Professor, Zayed University

• Asma Belhamar – Artist and Assistant Professor, Zayed University

• Ahmad Makary – Lebanese Artist and Curator, Founder of The Workshop DXB

• Yara Ayoob – Bahraini Artist and Curator

Mentorship and programme curation were led by Yusaku Imamura, Vice President of Tokyo University of the Arts, alongside designer Manabu Ozawa, architect and curator Kayoko Imamura, and Maitha Al Zaabi, Project Manager of the programme.

Creative Reflections

Delegates described the experience as both enriching and transformative.

• Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum highlighted the deep intellectual dialogue enabled by the trip.

• Asma Belhamar and Kamla AlOlama noted the inspiring aesthetics and architectural innovation witnessed during the visits.

• Ahmad Makary appreciated the exploration of contemporary aesthetics and heritage fusion.

• Yara Ayoob and Amna Al Zaabi spoke of personal and professional growth shaped by their exposure to Japan’s cultural narrative.

• Fatma Al Ali emphasized the value of studio visits and direct interaction with Japanese artists.

• Alanood Bukhammas lauded the programme’s role in creating sustainable networks, especially in educational design.

• Latifa Saeed concluded by praising Dubai Culture’s dedication to nurturing creative growth through meaningful global exposure.

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