The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is set to launch a new series of virtual conversations, expanding its digital platform offerings to engage with audiences worldwide. The "Cultur-All" conversations will be chaired by DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, and will feature distinguished cultural figures from both the UAE and around the globe.
Starting on 18 May, these engaging sessions will cover a wide range of cultural topics, addressing the challenges facing the global culture sector and offering fresh perspectives on how the world is responding to these challenges. The virtual conversations will be livestreamed on Abu Dhabi Culture's digital platforms, making them accessible to a global audience.
A Global Dialogue on Cultural Issues
Despite the limitations on international travel, the virtual conversations aim to foster continued connection and collaboration. "We are utilising all the technological tools at our disposal to continue connecting and collaborating with our friends and colleagues around the world," said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak. "These conversations will open windows to new insights, showcasing eminent voices from the UAE, the region, and the world as we explore how the culture sector is adapting to current global challenges."
The First Session: Museums and Civic Engagement
The inaugural session, scheduled for 18 May to coincide with International Museum Day, will feature a panel discussion on "Museums: Places of Civic Engagement, Inspiration and Rebuilding in a Pandemic Age." This session will bring together leaders from prominent museums, including Jean-Luc Martinez, President-Director of the Musée du Louvre; Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation; Hartwig Fischer, Director of The British Museum; and Prof. Mikhail Piotrovski, General Director of the State Hermitage Museum.
The panel will focus on the crucial roles museums play in society, particularly in the wake of the pandemic. It will discuss how museums continue to foster knowledge, community engagement, and social connections, especially as they adapt to social distancing measures and increasingly rely on digital platforms to replicate the museum experience. The conversation will also explore how museums, artists, and the public can help shape the future of cultural institutions.
Looking Ahead: Future Conversations
Following the Museums Panel, the "Cultur-All" series will continue with a variety of sessions exploring different aspects of the cultural and creative industries. Dates and further details for upcoming sessions will be announced in due course.
Event Details
- First Session: Museums Panel
- Date: 18 May at 9 pm UAE time (5 pm GMT)
- Livestream Link: Watch on the Abu Dhabi Culture YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/AbuDhabiCulture
This series of virtual conversations offers a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders from the world of culture and gain fresh insights into the sector’s evolution, particularly in response to the ongoing global challenges. Don't miss this exciting new initiative that promises to open up cultural dialogues and inspire new ways of thinking in the arts and culture space.
