São Paulo – The Al Qasimi Foundation, affiliated with the government of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, met with representatives of the Pinacoteca and Tomie Ohtake Institute on Tuesday (25) in São Paulo.
At the meeting, the institutions began talks on collaborating on the creation of a new museum to be built in the emirate. The museum will highlight the local artistic heritage, as well as works by artists from other countries and international artists.
Natasha Ridge, executive director of the Al Qasimi Foundation, told ANBA that the foundation intends to adopt the management model of the Pinacoteca de São Paulo for the future museum, which does not yet have an opening date.
“At the Pinacoteca, 60% of visitors have never been to an art museum. We have the same issue in the UAE. The Pinacoteca knows how to curate for general audiences and make art accessible to everyone. We hope to do the same at the future museum,” said Ridge, who is in Brazil for a series of engagements accompanied by Georgia Mourad.
According to Ridge, the museum’s architectural project will be designed by Rodrigo Ohtake, vice president of the Tomie Ohtake Institute. “He has already prepared a preliminary design, which is incredible,” Ridge said. “But we are still at the conceptual stage, seeking funding and partners.
Another topic discussed was the possible participation of the Pinacoteca in Ras Al Khaimah’s annual cultural festival next January. The initial idea is to exhibit works from the São Paulo museum during the event.
“It is a way to continue bringing the institutions closer together,” said Silvia Antibas, vice president of Marketing at the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), who has been facilitating ties between the cultural institutions for at least two years.
The forum, organized by the ABCC, is sponsored by Fambras Halal, International Halal Academy, Vale, DP World, Cdial Halal, First Abu Dhabi Bank, MBRF Global Foods Company, Qatar Airways and MZAH Group Investment. Institutional supporters include the Arab League, the Union of Arab Chambers and the Federation of Industries of the State of Bahia. Cacilda Aragão Tours is a partner.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
