The Zayed University College of Arts and Creative Enterprises (CACE) exhibition kicked off in Dubai Design District, d3, to run until May 28. Professor Reyadh AlMehaideb, Vice President of Zayed University, Aisha Miran, Assistant Secretary General of Executive Council at the Government of Dubai, Dr Marilyn Roberts, Acting Provost at Zayed University, Ann-Maree Reaney, Dean of CACE, other faculty members, academic administrators, intellectuals, leading figures across the field of arts, and students attended the event and made a tour at the exhibition. This year, the CACE exhibition included the final design projects of 68 students in the area of animation, design, graphic design, interior design, and visual arts. They initiated the ideas of their projects following an intense research, creative thinking, problem solving, and rigorous critique with both industry guests and faculty, who helped them to bring their work to a professional and innovative platform.
Graphic design students at Zayed University focused on ideas that highlight social impact and entrepreneurial spirit, while animation design and visual arts projects were refined to showcase students’ own creative voice.
During the exhibition, there were a variety of subjects being explored, but all were relevant to students’ environment in the areas of community development, culture and overall future of the UAE. Mariam Al Miqdaad, a Zayed University student at the CACE, exhibited her three-dimensional animated project that blends the UAE’s authentic culture with the modern Japanese culture. On the other hand, Noura Al Khaja, a graphic design student at Zayed University, exhibited her project that highlighted the effects of lack of communication between parents and children of younger generations and used her final design project as a tool to raise awareness about healthy communication and cultivate an atmosphere of open and mutually respectful understanding. Not only Noura’s project has attracted audience’s attention during the CACE exhibition, but also Maitha Abdulhakim’s project on improper garbage disposal and its harmful effects on animals has attracted the eye, created a buzz, and conveyed a very important message.
While Hind Al Muhairi, a Zayed University students at the CACE, designed her final project to stress the importance of preserving Arabic language, the mother tongue of the nation. It is worth mentioning that distinctive Zayed University alumni have made contributions to the creative industry in the UAE and have represented the UAE in cultural events across the world. They stand as role models of achievement and excellence for senior students and the community.
On her part, Ann-Maree Reaney, Dean of CACE at Zayed University, said: “CACE graduates have demonstrated their exceptional level of ability and achievement by winning many awards including the Gulf Capital- Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) Creativity Award, Christo Awards, the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award, the SalamaBintHamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship Program, and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority’s Cultural District Mosque Competition.”
“Our intensive and rigorous art, design, new media and exhibition programs are practice based and industry-engaged. The critical and professional guidance of faculty at CACE, underpinned by cutting-edge technology and an innovative learning environment inspire a new generation of creative thinkers and build a vibrant art and design community in the UAE. Art and design are major contributions to a nation’s creative economy and in the establishment of a global identity, they are a country’s greatest export,” she added. Walter Willems, newly appointed Exhibitions Coordinator, has enabled the college to build a dynamic connection with the industry, working with faculty and students across Abu Dhabi and Dubai. In this regards, CACE has expanded this year’s show to highlight some of CACE’s links to the community.
About Zayed University
Zayed University is today the premier national university in the United Arab Emirates and a regional leader in educational innovation and change. It has created and implemented a skills-rich, outcome-based general education program that systemically develops student skills, knowledge, and values associated with liberal learning and provided a solid foundation for pursuit of disciplinary majors and future careers. Zayed University welcomes national and international students, and provides them with a high quality education, offered by seasoned teaching scholars to prepare them to shape the future of the United Arab Emirates.
Zayed University offers Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in the following Colleges: College of Arts & Creative Enterprises (recognized as substantially equivalent by NASAD), College of Business (Accredited by AACSB), College of Communication & Media Sciences (Accredited by ACEJMC), College of Education (Accredited by NCATE), College of Sustainability Sciences & Humanities, and College of Technological Innovation (Accredited by ABET). For more information, visit www.zu.ac.ae