The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) has announced the third edition of the artists development initiative, Numoo, an intensive program to foster and accelerate the growth of performing artists in the UAE and contribute to the development of the nation’s arts ecosystem.
Numoo has been supported by grants from the U.S. Mission to the UAE since its inception in 2021. The current edition is running from May through September 2024. The program enables artists to grow professionally in their field, providing enhanced tools to showcase their work to the UAE public and beyond, and build a sustainable artistic community that promotes ongoing development and collaboration.
The participating UAE-based artists come from diverse backgrounds and levels of artistic experience. From poets to musicians, dancers, choreographers, writers, and theater makers, this international group learn from professionals in the field and are trained in different skills to develop a comprehensive understanding of the arts field in the UAE and beyond.
The 2024 cohort of artists, all based in the UAE, are:
- Afra Al Dhaheri (Emirati - Multimedia)
- Arqam (Emirati - Music)
- Dana Naidu (Indian - Music)
- Karim Ennoury (Moroccan - Dance)
- Kinda el-Atrach (Syrian-American - Music)
- Ksenjia Kovac Romano (Slovenian - Dance)
- Mohammed Masharqa (Palestinian - Physical Theater)
- Nurzy (Lebanese - Music)
- Rashika Ojha (Indian - Dance)
- Trixie Danielle (Filipino - Theater/Spoken Word)
Selected through a mix of nominations and an open call application followed by a collaborative evaluation process, the 2024 cohort receives guidance from The Arts Center staff, international arts professionals, and benefits from learning from one another. As part of the program, they will also engage with The Arts Center’s public performances and attend Off the Stage workshops and panels.
The program can be thought of as an accelerator, tailored toward enhancing professional skills and process, rather than being product oriented. Numoo includes regular meetings with the cohort and instructors, working sessions, and independent work for each artist based on their own artistic practices.
Reflecting on their Numoo experience, the 2023 and 2024 cohorts emphasized its pivotal role in creating a supportive network of creatives, as well as providing perspectives on the many skills needed to thrive as professionally working performing artists. The participating artists highlighted the program’s impact in creating positive change and building a platform for personal development. Members of the previous 2023 cohort added that it led to such outcomes as successful grant applications, expanded artistic visions, and project showcases and touring in the UAE and internationally. Praising Numoo’s emphasis on community building and a holistic vision of the roles of an artist, cohorts said that it inspired sustainable and accessible artistic approaches, allowing them to make a meaningful impact and contribution to the thriving arts scene.
Executive Artistic Director at The Arts Center at NYUAD Bill Bragin said: “At The Arts Center, we are dedicated to nurturing the vibrant local artistic and cultural scene. For the third year in a row, Numoo will serve as a catalyst for creativity, empowering UAE-based artists to showcase their talents and develop their professional skills. I find participation in the Numoo workshops especially gratifying personally, as we watch artists have large and small epiphanies about how to approach their own career development with greater senses of agency and empowerment, in a mutually supportive community.”
The U.S. Embassy’s Counselor for Public Affairs Robin Solomon said: “The U.S. Mission to the UAE is thrilled to offer the Numoo program once again in partnership with The Arts Center at NYUAD to a talented third cohort of arts and culture professionals. Each year the thoughtful and substantive program develops the practical business skills of local artists and creatives. The UAE’s creative industry is thriving, and we’re proud to sponsor Numoo in support of the local arts ecosystem.”
Refined and adapted based on the skills and experience of the finalists selected, Numoo offers hands-on practical business skills that assists artists as they promote their careers. Curriculum course elements include refining and communicating an artistic vision; building your team and finding creative collaborators; budgeting and project management; understanding contracts and negotiation; the fundamentals of intellectual property; fundraising; developing technical specifications; crafting marketing strategies for projects as well as developing an artistic “brand”; and developing project proposals.
