The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has recently wrapped up its Japan Art and Culture Delegation Programme, an initiative aimed at promoting Emirati and UAE-based creatives on a global platform. Supported by the Sikka Platform, this immersive experience was part of the Dubai Cultural Grant, in line with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy. The programme embodies Dubai Culture’s mission to empower artistic talent, enhance creative exposure, and cultivate an environment rich in innovation and expression.
Shaima Rashed Al Suwaidi, the CEO of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasized the role of cultural diplomacy in establishing Dubai as a global arts hub. She noted the importance of the UAE–Japan Creative Exchange in fostering collaborations with international universities, galleries, and artistic institutions. Al Suwaidi stated, “This programme opens up new prospects for creatives, offering them opportunities to learn about diverse practices and benefit from academic expertise.” This kind of exposure helps artists explore international trends and discover innovative ways to express their cultural heritage and identity, ultimately enhancing the growth of the creative economy.
The 10-day delegation was a gathering of noteworthy UAE-based creatives, featuring artist and curator Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum; designer and curator Kamla AlOlama; Amna Al Zaabi, researcher and Senior Curatorial Assistant at the Louvre Abu Dhabi; multidisciplinary artist Latifa Saeed; Fatma Al Ali, who focuses on collective memory and oral storytelling; graphic design lecturer Alanood Bukhammas from Zayed University; and artist and assistant professor Asma Belhamar. Joining them were Lebanese artist-curator Ahmad Makary, known for founding The Workshop DXB, and Bahraini artist-curator Yara Ayoob.
Mentorship played a vital role throughout the programme, with guidance provided by Yusaku Imamura, Vice President of Tokyo University of the Arts. Collaborating with him were Manabu Ozawa, a designer and university lecturer, and Kayoko Imamura, an architect and Director of the Japan Arts and Culture Foundation. Maitha Al Zaabi served as the Project Manager for this ambitious initiative.
Immersive Cultural Encounters
The delegation included immersive cultural encounters that allowed participants to explore various artistic landscapes. A highlight was the visit to Expo 2025 Osaka, where they explored the UAE Pavilion, themed ‘From Earth to Ether,’ showcasing remarkable national achievements in space, healthcare, and sustainable innovation. A dialogue with architect Sou Fujimoto, the visionary behind the Expo’s Japan Grand Ring, further enriched their experience.
Delegates ventured across Tokyo, Osaka, and neighboring regions, visiting prominent cultural landmarks such as the Mori Art Museum and notable galleries including Tomio Koyama Gallery, Shugo Arts, and Taka Ishii Gallery. Interactions with prominent figures like Yayoi Komatsu, Director of the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo, were particularly memorable, as was their engagement with solo exhibitions at the POLA Museum Annex, showcasing the work of Hiraku Suzuki. Their exploration continued at the MOA Museum in Atami, as well as the Odawara Art Foundation designed by Hiroshi Sugimoto, known for its harmonious integration with nature.
Additionally, the programme introduced participants to unique institutions like 21_21 Design Sight, designed by Tadao Ando, as well as the Karimoku furniture company, Postalco design studio, and Takram. Encounters with contemporary artists, such as Kenji Yanobe, and immersive experiences at TeamLab’s installations provided further creative stimulation. The record of activities concluded with visits to CFCL (Clothing for Contemporary Life), animation studio A-1 Pictures, and the Yayoi Kusama Museum, where they engaged with Director Akira Tatehata.
Participant Reflections
Participants shared their thoughts on this enriching experience, with artist and curator Sheikh Maktoum bin Marwan Al Maktoum describing the journey as intellectually enriching. He remarked, “The program enabled us to appreciate the nuances of the Japanese cultural landscape, which brought new depth to our intellectual dialogue with Japan.”
Artist Asma Belhamar found the trip to be a source of fresh inspiration, stating, “The cities we visited have a deep-rooted history and unique architectural designs. They served as a window into the Japanese arts scene and helped us gain new perspectives.” Designer and curator Kamla AlOlama highlighted the programme’s role in expanding artistic horizons, noting the exchange encouraged inventive thinking around art, architecture, and design while fostering connections with other creatives and academics.
Ahmad Makary appreciated the cultural dialogue fostered during the trip, expressing that engaging with Japanese artists led to reflections on the relationship between heritage and modern aesthetics. He noted, “The exchange offered an opportunity to explore how to embed regional and local identity within modern artistic frameworks.”
Curator Yara Ayoob emphasized the exposure to global best practices, stating, “Every meeting and visit was invaluable, thanks to the thoughtful advice and impactful ideas shared throughout. It made a significant contribution to both my personal and professional development.”
Researcher and curator Amna Al Zaabi considered the initiative eye-opening and transformative, sharing how touring different sites deepened her understanding of the relationship between cultural heritage and expression. Artist Fatma Al Ali expressed gratitude for the experience of visiting Japanese art studios and learning directly from other creatives, stating that interactions with institutional leaders significantly enriched her experience.
Design professor Alanood Bukhammas highlighted the long-lasting impact of the trip, indicating that it allowed for the establishment of sustainable networks and sparked new, innovative ideas suitable for educational contexts. Finally, artist Latifa Saeed acknowledged the essential role of Dubai Culture in fostering cross-cultural growth. She remarked, “Such cultural programs offer a genuine chance to learn from others, positively influencing our skill development and motivating us to evolve as artists.”
