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Thursday 17 September 2009

Art beats the economic blues


Here's a great twist in treating the general economic gloom and doom. We should take a page from them and turn this setback into an advantage(Orangejar takes the hint and will post new art projects soon):

Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre reports more people turning to art as an antidote to economic gloom

In the pic: Maria Peat, Arts Centre Manager DUCTAC

Financial gurus may struggle to find a way out of the downturn but increasing numbers of ordinary people are escaping the economic gloom – by painting pictures, making vases, taking photographs or creating sculptures.

“More than ever we are finding that people from all walks of life are seeking to de-stress and take a break from gloom by taking up the physical arts,” says Maria Peat, Arts Manager at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC).

“Art can be a great antidote to the economic malaise and we are now offering more classes in art of all kinds than ever before at the centre,” she added. “Participants may not be able solve all the world’s economic problems but they are finding it relaxing fun.

“They are being more cautious about what classes they choose but are looking to develop their artistic side, perhaps because they find they have more time on their hands due to business being slow, working reduced hours or being made redundant.”

The Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, at level two of Mall of the Emirates, is currently offering 14 adult classes in drawing and painting, six in pottery, sculpture and photography and six in the decorative arts. In addition, there are classes for children and teenagers aged from three to 16. A number of the classes for both adults and children are in Arabic.

“Our evening classes are very popular with people being able to leave work and head straight to DUCTAC,” said Peat. “Our most popular classes at the moment are in oil painting and mixed media. Art is clearly proving to be a great stress reliever for our participants and is helping them in developing new skills.”

For more information about the art classes and all other activities at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, please visit www.ductac.org

About Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre
Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre aims to contribute to the creative and cultural development of Dubai by presenting and hosting a programme of events and participatory activities for Dubai’s many multi-national communities and visitors alike.

The Theatre & Arts Centre is the first modern, non-profit, cross-community creative centre in the Gulf. This flagship project was the brainchild of local theatre-lovers, arts enthusiasts, artists and business people who recognised the need for an entertainment and educational centre for the community and future generations of Dubai. The centre was officially opened on 1 November 2006 by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre does not receive any funding, relying on the generous support of sponsors and patrons and on income generated from the hire of facilities. The centre is currently fundraising to support its artistic programme, educational and outreach work.

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