Text: Natalia Remmer QUARTER HISTORY ALSERKAL AVENUE BEGINS IN 2007, AT THE PLACE OF A FORMER MARBLE FACTORY, IN THE NOTHING NOTHING AL QUIZ INDUSTRIAL AREA. THE IDEA OF FITTING ART SPACES IN THE PLACE OF ABANDONED PROMZONS IS NOT NEW. TAKING THE LAST LONDON TATE MODERN: BASED ON THE PLACE OF A FORMER POWER PLANT, TODAY THE GALLERY BECAME ONE OF THE MOST VISITED ART WORKS IN THE WORLD. EXPLANATION TO FIND SIMPLY: MUCH FREE SPACE FOR A SMALL RENTAL FEE.
The idea to build an art quarter similar to Shoreditch in London or Meatpacking in New York belongs to the famous Dubai entrepreneur and philanthropist Abdulmonem Al Serkal. “Having decided to equip a complex of premises in the Al Quiz area and invite galleries there, I was going to create a new art quarter in Dubai and provide the galleries with development opportunities that they could use. In New York and London, such quarters developed very naturally, and we we wanted to go the same way - not push anyone forward. At the same time, we didn’t have a goal to compete with other world capitals - we created the center of art of our region, and this is our unique achievement, ”says Abdulmonem, a representative of oh art dynasty.
His father, Issa bin Nasser Al Serkal, is a passionate art collector and founder of the car museum in the Dubai Airport area. “My father loves Islamic art and calligraphy. I was lucky that I grew up in a family where art was always appreciated and respected. He was very happy when he saw what a large-scale project we implemented,” explains Al Serkal Jr.
The first “swallow” in the new quarter was Ayyam Gallery, opened by Syrians Khaled and Hisham Samavi and specializing in Syrian art. At the same time, the brothers pay great attention to supporting young talents and publish numerous catalogs of paintings to promote new names. Among those who were the first to believe in the new cultural initiative were also the Carbon 12 galleries, which represent many of the iconic names of Western culture in the Middle East, and Isabelle van den Eynde, which mainly promotes Iranian artists to fame. One of the oldest Green Art Gallery in Dubai (founded in 1995), opened by Pakistanis Gray Noise and positioning itself as a platform for the growth of Middle Eastern authors Lawrie Shabibi, took their place on Alserkal Alley. One of the most significant acquisitions of Alserkal Avenue was the Salsali Private Museum, which displays a private collection of the famous Iranian philanthropist Ramin Salsali.
As space filled up, new initiatives began to emerge. The A4 Space library and The Fridge youth art initiative specializing in original performances found their home here. In 2013, Alserkal Avenue announced the expansion of existing spaces that will be able to accommodate everyone: new studios, concept stores, an experimental theater, an independent cinema, restaurants, cafes and much more will appear here. Thus, the art space has become much more commercial. “We are trying to accept everyone,” says Abdulmonem bin Issa. “We need more space, more places, more necessary infrastructure. We have created a new direction, and today our task is to competently serve our creative community.”
Another 75 thousand square meters. meters of space, more than 60 new art spaces and 500 new parking spaces, two restaurants and a coffee shop - all the amenities for almost a thousand visitors. More guests will not have to push around at the entrance to the galleries and touch the Gelendvageny parked right on the sidewalk with luxurious outfits. Most likely, the fate of many former abandoned quarters awaits Alserkal Avenue - over time, the area will become a trend and become trendy!
