A graphic art competition and exhibition promoting intercultural awareness between the UAE and Francophone countries hold for private school pupils in Dubai. The exhibition, l’Art Solidaire # 4, launched on 26th March at Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), in conjunction with an awards ceremony for competition winners.

In the spirit of celebrating French language in Dubai and encouraging students to embrace multiculturalism, entrants have been asked to focus on 10 French words that represent the dynamism/evolution of languages today like ‘charivari’ and ‘ambiancer’ to inspire their art. 

Now in its fourth year, this non-profit competition has attracted a growing number of schools and sponsors. More than 100 This year’s winner will get the chance to attend an all-expenses paid linguistic and cultural summer camp for two weeks in the French Riviera, whilst runners up will receive vouchers for restaurants, French book store, French language courses.

Dr Abdulla Al Karam said: “We are pleased to be part of such a prestigious competition. Offering young people in the UAE the chance to broaden their depth of knowledge, the exhibition provides an opportunity to boost cultural awareness and share creativity across different nations.”
The UAE has been a member of the International Organisation of the Francophonie since October 2010.
 
Institut français, the French cultural agency in the UAE, organizes March is Francophone, the annual festival promoting “Francophonie”. This concept deeply rooted in history and shared by 77 countries (representing 900 million citizens) is based on a common linguistic but also cultural, historical and political space. It is also strongly supported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has been officially an observer member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie since 2010.
 

To pay tribute to this community, a wide range of events about French language, Francophone culture and Franco-Emirati cooperation will took place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai over a period of four weeks (from March 1 to 29). From Art, Hip-hop to family activities through music, sports, cinema or poetry, there will be something for everyone!

 Denis Douveneau, Director of Institut Français and Counsellor for Cooperation and cultural affairs at the French Embassy, emphasized that he was really looking forward to this fruitful art project, offered to the private school students in order to explore this “French language though art” concept.