ABU DHABI: The Arts Centre at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has announced the third edition of the artists development initiative, Numoo, an intensive programme to foster and accelerate the growth of performing artists in the UAE and contribute to the development of the nation’s arts ecosystem.
Numoo has been supported by grants from the U.S. Mission to the UAE since its inception in 2021. The current edition is running from May through September 2024. The programme enables artists to grow professionally in their field, providing enhanced tools to showcase their work to the UAE public and beyond, and build a sustainable artistic community that promotes ongoing development and collaboration.
The participating UAE-based artists come from diverse backgrounds and levels of artistic experience. From poets to musicians, dancers, choreographers, writers, and theatre makers, this international group learn from professionals in the field and are trained in different skills to develop a comprehensive understanding of the art
s field in the UAE and beyond.
Bill Bragin, Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center at NYUAD, said, ‘At The Arts Center, we are dedicated to nurturing the vibrant local artistic and cultural scene. For the third year in a row, Numoo will serve as a catalyst for creativity, empowering UAE-based artists to showcase their talents and develop their professional skills. I find participation in the Numoo workshops especially gratifying personally, as we watch artists have large and small epiphanies about how to approach their own career development with greater senses of agency and empowerment, in a mutually supportive community.’
Robin Solomon, the U.S. Embassy’s Counsellor for Public Affairs, said, ‘The U.S. Mission to the UAE is thrilled to offer the Numoo programme once again in partnership with The Arts Centre at NYUAD to a talented third cohort of arts and culture professionals. Each year the thoughtful and substantive programme develops the practical business skills of local artists and creatives. T
he UAE’s creative industry is thriving, and we’re proud to sponsor Numoo in support of the local arts ecosystem.’
Refined and adapted based on the skills and experience of the finalists selected, Numoo offers hands-on practical business skills that assists artists as they promote their careers. Curriculum course elements include refining and communicating an artistic vision; building your team and finding creative collaborators; budgeting and project management; understanding contracts and negotiation; the fundamentals of intellectual property; fundraising; developing technical specifications; crafting marketing strategies for projects as well as developing an artistic ‘brand’; and developing project proposals.
Source: Emirates News Agency
