WAD App
Stay in the know and never get lost at WAD again! Brand new for 2023, WAD is launching its very own
easy-to-use app so you can plan your visit, navigate the show, align meetings and have instant
access to art at your fingertips.
The WAD app is now available to download for
free on Apple and Google Play stores.
WAD Matchmaking Programme
This year, WAD is focusing on connecting rising artists with established galleries through its new
matchmaking programme. Designed to support new talent by shining a light on their unique skills, the
programme acts as a networking platform and forum so talent can connect and meet with the main
players of the UAE’s art scene. The programme is open to all solo artists who are exhibiting
at WAD and participating and non-participating galleries.
To join the programme, download the WAD app
and register your interest. Here you’ll be able to book a meeting with the artist or
gallery you’d like to connect and meet with.
Artist in Residency
This year, WAD has partnered with 8th Ave. Gallery and Dubai’s art hub hotel, Jumeirah
Creekside Hotel, to host the popular Artist in Residency programme. Launched in 2020, the Artist in
Residency programme has been designed to inspire and support international artists by giving them
the incredible opportunity to live in Dubai and take on a three-month residency at Jumeirah
Creekside Hotel.
As part of the collaboration, WAD will host the Artist in Residency booth for the first time ever to
give even more art fans and collectors the opportunity to enjoy the artwork created through the
initiative. Throughout the 4-day fair, visitors will be able to meet with and explore the works
produced by previous programme participants, German Artist, Sabrina Pohl and Spanish Artist Paula
Blanco at the Artist in Residency booth.
The winner of the fourth residency will also be announced at this year’s WAD award ceremonies
on 12th March and will be awarded to a deserving artist exhibiting at this year’s event.
Expanded Urban Art DXB Programme
WAD’s popular street art and culture celebration, Urban Art DXB, has been refreshed and
expanded for 2023 and will feature an even bigger line-up of visual displays, performances and
competitions than ever before.
Led for the second year running by talented creative and Kuwaiti street artist, Ahmed Al Rashi, this year’s Urban
Art DXB will showcase more than just graffiti and will feature live daily DJ sets, fashion graffiti,
dance performances from @madaboutdancedubai and incredible break-dancer @thewxb, vogue dance
battles, make-up faceoffs and two mini-concerts by local singer, songwriter and performer,
@varshavinn. The experiential programme will also feature a live customisation skateboard wall and
workshops with @axelart, a live shoe customisation experience and workshops by @gingersrtsy, four
graffiti walls that will be painted by four different artists daily and Palette Dubai will host
three workshops daily throughout Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th March.
Visitors will also be able to watch as talented creators such as @shakirsulaiman_art,
@the.blackdevil, @_twigsart_, @aimunit and @nodyhajjar create exciting displays live at this
year’s fair.
Discover the full lineup of artists that are
taking part in Urban Art DXB here
Commercial Interior Design Panel Discussion
After launching the Best Use of Art category in its celebrated 2022 Awards ceremony, the
region’s leading design publication, Commercial Interior Design, will host a panel discussion
at this year’s WAD. Taking place at 1pm on Friday 10th March, visitors will be able to listen
and learn from some of the industry’s leading designers who will be discussing the role of art
in interior design. Entry to the discussion is free with your WAD ticket.
Tickets are now on sale for WAD 2023. To purchase tickets,
check out fair timings, discover the WAD 4-day schedule and for more information please
click.