Alserkal Avenue Reveals the Progress of its 50mln Expansion Development

Alserkal Avenue Expansion Preview, March 20, 2014 / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

The expansion will welcome an addition of almost forty creative organizations complimenting its contemporary art focus with a diversified portfolio that will include architecture, media, design, and fashion concepts, adding a new dimension to its current synergy. The area will continue to support individual projects and not-for-profit spaces, such as artists studios and residency programs, to cultivate the creation of contemporary art as well as encourage site-specific installations and sustainable growth of the art scene’s infrastructure. Alternative cafes, project spaces, outdoor event facilities equipped to host a variety of events ranging from outdoor film screenings to concerts and cultural community initiatives will compliment the experience for cultural visitors.

Alserkal Avenue has become a must-visit destination since 2007 within the region’s cultural landscape currently housing the most dynamic art spaces with International acclaim, contributing to Dubai’s stance as a commercial arts hub in the region. The expanding base will add a new layer to the existing cultural foundation to further facilitate ideas and vitalize the artistic and creative community of the region, while encouraging and fostering arts education.

Alserkal Avenue Expansion Preview / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

The architectural design prolongs the current warehouse concept with a creative twist of the butterfly roofing and environmentally friendly design; as the architect Philip Logan explained ‘We avoided using standard roof lights that would contribute to solar gain resulting in higher loads. This allows us to maximize capture of North light and avoid the undesirable heavy solar gain.’ The new spaces will accommodate a wider spectrum of current demand by offering units in sizes of 1500, 3000, 4000 and 6000 ft² alongside the additional car parking spaces. The total area will become half a million ft².

Alserkal Avenue grew with the support of the Alserkal family, who are recognized for their contribution to the arts and culture with the Patron of the Arts award in 2012 and 2013 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. The area will further contribute to the cultural landscape as well as expand its presence as a regional and International center for arts and culture. Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, developer of Alserkal Avenue and the Patron of the Arts said that the progression is “a natural response to the ever-growing art scene” he believes "that with time we will be one of the main art capitals just like New York, London and Berlin."

Alserkal Avenue’s diversification is a stepping-stone with a not-for-profit outlook, to create a balance in the mix of local and international talent. Dubai’s art world is maturing and Alserkal Avenue is ready to take the next step to contribute towards strengthening its infrastructure.

Alserkal Avenue Expansion Site / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue Expansion Site / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue Arts District, Dubai

Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, is a prominent Arts District within the industrial quarter of the city, which houses over twenty contemporary art galleries and alternative arts and community spaces. Currently doubling in size by 2014 with a 14 million USD expansion project, supported by Alserkal family, the Avenue will welcome a wide spectrum of creative businesses that will further transform the cultural landscape of Dubai.

US Ambassador Michael Corbin and Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, Patron of the Arts and developer of Alserkal Avenue / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

US Ambassador Michael Corbin and Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, Patron of the Arts and developer of Alserkal Avenue / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

Abdelmonem bin Eisa Alserkal - Developer of Alserkal Avenue & Patron of the Arts

Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, born in Dubai, after graduating university in the United States, continued his career within real estate and other developments back in the UAE. In 2007, he was the driving force in developing Alserkal Avenue Arts District in Al Quoz, which today houses foremost contemporary art spaces and is currently doubling its size. The further development extending behind the current Alserkal Avenue is due to open at the end of the year, attracting contemporary art galleries, not-for-profit cultural foundations, project spaces, design and fashion concepts, solidifying its presence as a cultural destination. Alserkal family has been awarded with Patron of the Arts award by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in 2012 and 2013 for their contribution to the arts.

Hazem Harb: “Between the Past and Present”, a dialogue of conceptual photos, 2014, Expansion Preview / Courtesy of Alserkal Avenue

Hazem Harb: “Between the Past and Present”, a dialogue of conceptual photos, 2014

"Empty spaces and the process of construction: my passion is always personal and linked to several experiments on both a personal and public platform. Re-building a demolished site and redrafting it to fill the vacuum is the focus of my concept in this series of photographic prints which are in dialogue with the construction site they are placed within.

I was inspired to bring life to the venue, which was deserted and demolished, by displaying these works at the most significant destination for the arts in the Middle East: Alserkal Avenue. This series also raises many questions about the possibilities of abandoned or haunted spaces and rethinking them to become a part of something larger." (Hazem Harb)