BMW Middle East concluded its first-year involvement with Art Dubai with an exclusive panel discussion hosted by Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst, Global Head of Cultural Engagement, BMW Group which focused on the topic “Powerplay: Gallerist, Collector, Curator, Artist - Who is the most influential?”
During the panel, he was joined by curator Sam Bardaouil, gallerist Priyanka Raja and artist Chafa Ghaddar who brought together an interesting dynamic of different perspectives.
Aside from the main discussion, the panelists debated topics such as the relationship between artist and gallerist, offering artistic freedom, making art accessible for all, how exhibitions are born and the future of art fairs in the digital age. At the end of the lively debate, all three panelists agreed that they had a responsibility to ensure an equal voice for all for everyone to benefit.
Earlier this year, BMW Group announced that it had expanded its support of art and culture in the Middle East with a three-year partnership with Art Dubai.
The partnership, in collaboration with AGMC, the official BMW Group importer for Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, is the latest initiative in BMW’s long-term arts and cultural engagement. For the past five decades, BMW has been partnering with hundreds of initiatives worldwide in the fields of jazz and classical music, modern and contemporary art, as well as architecture and design.
Dr. Hamid Haqparwar, Director of Sales and Marketing, BMW Group Middle East, who gave the welcoming remarks ahead of the panel said: “What better place to talk about the art scene than at Art Dubai. The event has positioned itself in a region that has become the focus of some of the major transformations the art world is facing today. We have witnessed how Art Dubai has thrived since its inception – the fair has strengthened contemporary artistic practice in the region and furthered a broader conversation about the arts in general. We are thrilled to have been part of this evening’s session, as part of our collaboration through AGMC and we look forward to supporting another platform for artists to share their stories and work at Art Dubai for the coming years.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the panel, Prof. Dr. Thomas Girst commented: “The automotive industry has parallels with the art world, with both being dedicated to innovation, creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, all wrapped up in a beautiful finish. The BMW 8 Series embodies pure dynamics and is reflective of everything we’ve seen on stage during this discussion today from our three guests that we are extremely grateful to for joining us – passion, power and performance. Celebrating art and culture around the world remains an integral part of our strategy and corporate culture and we look forward to many more years of doing so, both here in the Middle East and globally.”
As a real highlight during Art Dubai, the BMW area hosted the BMW Concept 8 Series, the essence of a modern-day BMW coupe wrapped up in an enthralling design study.
During the fair guests were also able to visit the BMW area to find out more about BMW Contemporary - a local initiative exclusive for the Middle East, which aims to strengthen intercultural dialogue, and spark curiosity and imagination.
Find out more at:
@bmwgroupculture
#bmwgroupculture
www.bmwgroup.com/culture
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The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2016 was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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For more information contact:
Silke Brigl, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Middle East
Tel: +971 4 313 2615 or email: Silke.Brigl@bmwgroup.com
Claire Lawson, Edelman DABO
Tel: +971 55 400 3235 or email: Claire.lawson@edelmandabo.com
© Press Release 2018
