The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Institut Français to expand current platforms for cultural and artistic exchange between France and the UAE.

Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general of the Dubai Culture, and David Berolotti, director and advisor to the Ambassador for Cultural Affairs, signed the agreement. Under the MoU, the Authority and Institut Français have launched an Artist-in-Residence programme, in line with Dubai Culture’s mandate to create robust growth opportunities for UAE-based and international talent in Dubai.

A part of Dubai Culture’s Arts Services initiative, this year’s programme opens the doors for cultural exchange for a French designer and a writer, enabling them to partner with Emirati and UAE-based artists. The objective of the programme is to further strengthen the understanding of the local heritage and culture among the participants through educational activities such as workshops, school tours and mentorship.

The Artists-in-Residence programme will run from Oct. 15 to Dec.15 in the historic Al Bastakiya, the cultural nerve-centre of Dubai, providing the artists with the opportunity to derive inspiration from the city.

Al Nabouda said: “France and the UAE have shared strong cultural links especially through culture and the arts. This programme gives us the opportunity to further strengthen these ties by crossing cultural boundaries and exploring the facets of creativity that artists can attain in Dubai.”