A new performing arts programme is set to be launched by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), to create a special route connected by enactments and cultural happenings.

The programme titled ‘Durub Al Tawaya’ begins in Saadiyat Cultural District and expands into Abu Dhabi, reflecting the growth in the emirate’s artistic scene, said a statement.

Durub Al Tawaya refers to the Emirati term tawaya, which means underground water springs unchanging loci that marked the paths and Durub, which is a long taken by travellers across the desert, acting as point of respite along their journey.

In Classical Arabic, Tawaya refers to layers of meaning, ideas and values that are revealed as they unfold.  Curated by Tarek Abou El Fetouh, the programme will launch in the capital during Abu Dhabi Art, which will be held next week and evolve with further programmes in 2014.

“Durub Al Tawaya presents a diversity of artistic practices; poetry, video installation and contemporary dance, giving audiences a path of discovery. Taking place throughout the city of Abu Dhabi, this programme is an intervention – exploring common grounds and intersections between artistic practices and uncovering ideas for the individual as their journey unfolds,” said Rita Aoun-Abdo, executive director, culture sector.

“The programme will create a new public bus route during Abu Dhabi Art, connecting four stops that are of significance within the city: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Mina Zayed - the city's historic port, Abu Dhabi Corniche and the Marina area, each venue will host a series of activities and performances with a diversity of artists, poets and performers,” said TarekAbou El Fetouh.

Prominent artists are commissioned to transform four buses which will serve this route, into moving art pieces using images, videos and sound, said the statement.

Cao Fei, famous for her 3D work will implement that into one bus; Wael Shawky is commissioned to create a new piece for the programme, transforming the bus into a video installation about black camels and poetry. The third bus will feature the artist Zeinab Al Hashimy known for her work on local traditions and Emirati heritage, revisited through the lens of experimental media and new materials, while the fourth will be converted by prominent artists Ilya and Emilia Kabakov into a mobile art work and a performance based on poetry.

One of these stops of the buses will be the fish market at Mina Zayed where Al Dhafra Boat will be transformed into a venue for three art centres: ‘Contemporary Image Collective’ from Cairo; the collective ‘98 Weeks’ from Beirut and ‘ARTwec’ project for artist Afra Al Dahri from UAE, in which she invited artist colleagues to transform the boat to reflect images of life in Abu Dhabi.

Other stops will include the Corniche Abu Dhabi, presenting an evening with poetry readings for ten Emirati poets; the Marinaarea at Abu Dhabi International Marine and Sports Club, hosting a performance by artist and Future Generation Art Prize 2012 shortlisted RayyaneTabet titled ‘Looking for Pearls’ through a boat ride around Lulu Island; Manarat Al Saadiyat, where Abu Dhabi Art will also be taking place, will feature daily performances with an array of global talent.

The sides of regular city public buses will be designed by words from Emirati poems, transforming them into moving performances interrelating within the daily life of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Art, organised by TCA Abu Dhabi, is an annual platform for modern and contemporary art and design to be held from November 20 to 23.  - TradeArabia News Service