Fourteen UAE girl students have been selected to visit Switzerland under the ‘Art Exchange Programme.’

The delegation, selected from various colleges and universities in the UAE, will visit ‘Art Basel’, the world renowned international art exhibition to be held in Switzerland from June 4-8.

Launched by Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Women’s Establishment (DWE) president, wife of Presidential Affairs minister Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ‘Art Exchange Programme’ aims to enhance the creative landscape of the UAE, while building stronger ties between women artists in the MENA region and the rest of the world, according to a statement.

Selected from the Zayed University, the American University in Sharjah, the American University in Dubai, the Sharjah University, and the Dubai Women’s College, the Emirati student delegation will leave for Switzerland on June 3.

During the week-long visit until June 11, the students will also experience guided tours to important museums and historical sites.

A panel of eminent academicians, including renowned artist Dr Najat Makki, Professor Jassim Al Awadhi and Nazneen Al Shafi followed a stringent process to select members of the delegation out of several nominated girl students.

The selection criteria included competencies in English language communication skills, knowledge of the visual and fine arts, visual design, and art history. Academic performance and the students’ aptitude to serve as effective ambassadors of the UAE, the Arab world and Islam, were also given ample consideration while short-listing the students.

“The experience will provide the Emirati girl students with valuable opportunities to learn from the pioneers of international art. This was the rationale for choosing the talented art students who also possess outstanding academic records. Their visit to ‘Art Basel’ and their interaction with some of the greatest artists in the world will significantly enhance their learning experience,” said Dr Najat Makki.

On their return to the UAE, the participants will be mandated to create a tangible work of art that is inspired by their collective experience of the educational and intellectually stimulating trip.

The name of the students that were selected are from Sharjah University Wafa Al Hosani, Alaa Obiedi, Noora Buqaish , Nada Obied, Hayat Al Suwaidi  and  Ammna Ali. From Zayed Universiy Hind Demaithan, Moza Matar and Maryam Al Matrooshi. Hassa Al Jokar from Dubai Women’s College.

From American University of Sharjah Kholoud Al Ajmani, Hedyeh Badri , Khulood Al Ali and  Noor Al Khaja.

The Swiss visit comes as the first part of the ’Art Exchange Program’, which pursues a long time commitment to promoting artistic and cultural ties between the UAE and the world. Underscoring the role of the UAE woman in art, it aims to open new vistas for Emirati girl students, enabling them to experience contemporary art of international caliber.

Featuring nearly 300 leading galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa, Art Basel is considered the world's premier international art show for modern and contemporary works. It will feature more than 2,000 artists, ranging from the great masters of modern art to the latest generation of emerging artists. – TradeArabia News Service