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Art-curious teens are about to have their say behind the scenes of The New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery. Community Engagement and Marketing Officer Sebastian Grube reveals the workings of a brand new initiative that brings schools and The Art Gal
Art-curious teens are about to have their say behind the scenes of The NYUAD Art Gallery
“the injection of teenage voices help us see arts and culture through the lens of those younger audiences who are the future generations to come.
The New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery is in the throes of its virtual art exhibition of the season. not in, of, along, or relating to a line, the name of the exhibition, wraps up in July, but what does it take to bring such an exhibition into being?
Well, art-savvy teenagers are about to find out when in March the hunt begins for six members to form the Teen Council, an initiative by The NYUAD Art Gallery. “The Teen Council is an initiative that we’ve been thinking about for a number of years,” says Sebastian. “March will see a call for nominations with the Council truly kicking off in early April, after the selection process is complete.”
The six members of the Teen Council — aged 13 to18 — will be in the enviable position of advising on and implement public programming ideas. Sebastian explains how while the The NYUAD Art Gallery is “not necessarily just looking for those who wish to pursue an arts major, the successful students will need to be art-curious.
“One of the biggest aspects of the Teen Council is that we’re hoping to get a more diverse array of voices that are part of our programming process, part of generating our ideas, and giving us that all-important feedback.”
Sebastian expects the injection of teenage voices to “help us [The NYUAD Art Gallery] see arts and culture through the lens of those younger audiences who are the future generations to come. The Teen Council will work closely with The NYUAD Art Gallery’s education team to conceptualise and organise one event for the running main exhibition.
Council members will also have the opportunity to receive a look at some of the inner workings of The NYUAD Art Gallery, gaining hands-on experience in developing an educational and fun programme from concept to implementation.
Team Council members are set to meet bi-weekly with Sebastian and the Assistant Director of Publications and Education, Alaa Edris. “There’ll be other team members who will be dipping in and out working with the Council.”
Like all of us at Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life, Sebastian is hoping for a very positive reaction from those wishing to be part of this unique programme for this specific age group yet. “The prospect of teens of this age engaging with art behind the scenes is going to be super interesting,” adds Sebastian.
Nomination Deadline is 11 March, with the programme starting during the week starting 4 April. To nominate, please visit bit.ly/3r0HN6O