Afra Al Dhaheriy

Co-founder of Bait 15

What is the main objective of Bait 15? Primarily we want to activate the artistic community in as many ways as possible. When we graduated, we found there was a lack of places to come together. We also want to host workshops and exhibitions. How important is the history of the place? Very. Creative people have always inhabited it, so it carries a certain kind of energy and we feel that we are carrying forward the spirit of the place with Bait 15. Is it open to the public? We are happy to welcome anyone who wants to come and visit. We encourage a spirit of inclusivity. However, we do ask if you contact us first for an appointment, because we all have full time jobs as well. What’s in store for November? We have an exhibition of the work of Ayesha Juma [a prominent UAE artist] and her family: her sister, her son, her daughter and two nieces. Hosting a family exhibition fits with the overall vibe – that we have repurposed the way a home functions. We will also have Tarek Al Ghoussein [a wellknown artist and photographer] starting his two-month residency in November and some of his work will be on show.

Bait 15, Alzafaranah, Al Muroor, Abu Dhabi. Open by appointment: E-mail: info@bait15.com. www. bait15.com