Business of the Arts Forum at Tamakkan

http://www.pr.com/press-release/594578

 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 30, 2014 –(PR.com)– Forum Discusses Business of the Arts in the Abu Dhabi.

Transforming Passion in Art, Film and Theatre into a Business.

A vibrant discussion on the opportunities available in the UAE to professionals in the creative and performing arts explored also how the industry can leverage the growing talent that exists in the country at a seminar organized by Tamakkan.

Tamakkan, a leading entrepreneurship and innovation platform, presented a seminar focused on the art and media business and invited speakers from twofour54, Cleveland Clinic, Fatima BintHazza Foundation, and practicing artists from the frontline of art, music and theatre, to a candid discussion about opportunities and challenges in the industry.

Dr Iva Fattorini, Chair of Global Arts & Medicine Institute, Executive Board Office at Cleveland Clinic, provided the corporate patronage perspective on the arts, and the important and pioneering role Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, and in the US play in healthcare.

“Cleveland Clinic is an example of a hospital with audacious and visionary leaders who embrace the concept of arts and medicine and carry a strong belief that art can re-humanize medicine by bringing new energy to patients and their caregivers,” she said.

“The concepts of love and care don’t come from business plans; they come from the heart, and they can awaken a hospital’s soul. In medicine, decisions are based on evidence. Many studies conducted around integration of arts and medicine have demonstrated improvements in health outcomes, quality of life and improved hospital experience,” DrFattorini added.

Emmy Nominated photographer and cinematographer, BenoSaradzic showed his latest film called “Beyond,” a mesmerizing visual spectacle of UAE landmarks and talked about the challenges he faces as an artist.

Saradzic said he was always motivated by a need to do something out of the ordinary. “Making it in this business is tough, and you have to believe in yourself. Getting business is not easy. For me I switched from being a client to becoming a producer and I have never since compromised on my artistic vision.” Saradic started working with the BBC and other organizations after his groundbreaking time-lapse film called Abu Dhabi 2011. His latest film, Borders, garnered him an Emmy nomination and recognition as a master of the artform.

MirjanaDelaey provided another perspective of the industry in her ambitious photography capture “360 Project.” DeLaey explained how her team used photography drones above Abu Dhabi to capture sweeping views of the city that can be explored interactively via the web. She spoke about the technical and regulatory hurdles that her team overcame. She revealed that financial gains may come at some point from the project, but that the main motivator behind the initiative has been the artistic achievement and its potential for future applications.

Maysoon Barber, Business Director of Fatima BintHazza Foundation, stressed the need for a greater focus on teaching the young the love of reading, and the creative arts. She also spoke about the foundation’s vision and its library of books and applications that are designed to nurture intellectual growth, literacy and artistic expression.

Khalid Khouri, Head of Ibtikar Commercial at twofour54, provided insight on the creative platforms provided by twofour54 to help in the development of film and other content. “twofour54 has helped film makers work on projects, and to collaborate with others. We have developed facilities that can help creatives with their projects, and they are free to use.”

As part of the seminar’s creative theme Tamakkan also featured a performance art segment entitled “Shoes” by thespian and school teacher Charlis “Charlie” Cunningham and Michelle “True” Francois, who engaged the audience in light hearted but socially incisive monologues about personal drive, inequality and race relations.

Sana Bagersh, Founder of Tamakkan and CEO of BrandMoxie reiterated the importance of art and creative endeavors in society. “Initiatives such as twofour54, programmes such as Fatima bintHazza foundation, and corporate art patrons such as Cleveland Clinic, help create the ecosystems that are needed to develop artistic endeavors. These are exciting times for artists.” She also thanked Tamakkan’s patron Fatima BintHazza Foundation, and its supporters Aldar and twofour54.