Chinartree

How easy is it to set up a new art initiative in Dubai? - April 2009

 

In the last 6 months we have seen a mushrooming of art ventures in the capital, whether it be commercial galleries, non profit initiatives or more kooky, boutique consultancies.

During the week of ‘Contemparabia’ many international art professionals flocked to the region and not only attended the openings of SB9 and the art fairs, but were also witness to a growing number of book and art-project launches. 

It was during this time that ChinarTree met with many of these art specialists and entrepreneurs and was often greeted with a whole host of questions on setting up a new art business in Dubai. 

To clear up the common misconceptions and address these issues directly, we interviewed members of the local art community who have recently launched new projects themselves.  This is what they had to say:

• Galleries

Nadine Knotzer, Director of Carbon 12 Gallery, set up in November 2008 

“There are different options available in setting up a gallery in Dubai.  Either you have a local partner or you choose to be situated in a ‘free-zone.’  The third choice is in the DIFC gate village.  Each has its advantages and disadvantages but for us the location was important. 

We found a fantastic space in Dubai Marina and our local partner was very helpful.  As far as licensing goes, we have a general LLC license which means we are allowed to import art but nothing else.  The Economic Department has a category for art galleries, but we had to explain what kind of gallery we were. 

Coming from Vienna I would say, yes, it is very different to being in Europe.  You have to do a lot of research and information and it takes a lot of time.”

• Non-Profit/Charity

Sonia Brewin, Director of START and Co-founder of Thinking Cloud, set up in March and December 2007 respectively

“Setting up a non-profit organisation or charity is the same as establishing a company in Dubai.  The organisation needs to be registered and would need legal representation, a license and bank account.  In the UAE new charities can register with International Humanitarian City which gives them the legal paperwork to operate and fundraise. START is a programme within Al Madad which is registered in the UK and UAE.

It takes patience to set up a company anywhere, mainly due to paperwork requirements. My advice would be that if you are setting up something that is your passion and you are new in Dubai you can create a ‘networking group’. 

I have initiated two to support START.  One is ‘Thinking Cloud’ for the art side of START. For the NGO side, I have set up ‘Breakfast Club’ which meets quarterly.  UNICEF, UNOPS and other smaller charities attend and we discuss goals, concerns and other relevant humanitarian issues.”

• Consultancies

Suzette Sadr, Director of Sabaart, set up in March 2009

“We chose to start up our consultancy out of Ras Al Khaimah Free-Zone (RAK FZ) as it’s won awards for being the best to work with.  To set up a business there, you have to submit your documents to the FZ, which include your business plan and recommendations from your bank. 

Then the licensing procedure begins, for which I didn’t even have to go to RAK, I did it all over email with one contact person.  You then open up a bank account, deposit your required capital and they give you your license. 

Our costs were relatively low because we don’t have a physical space in the FZ, we have what is called a ‘flexi-desk’ and a space within The Fairmont, Dubai which is where the RAK FZ is set up.  It’s been surprisingly easy!”

• Multi-faceted business ventures

Hetal Pawani, Director of the Jam Jar: Gallery, Studio, Consultancy as well as ArtMap and ArtBus, set up in March 2005.

“Initially it took a while to set up the business as both a gallery and a studio.  There were different licenses for professional services and for companies that want to trade and import.  Now I believe the two can co-exist, as we are doing both. 

As we started branching out we had a good PRO to guide us.  The only issues we faced were in explaining the different activities we were adding to our existing license, to the Economic Department.  For the ArtMap, I had to show various samples and eventually get permission from the Media Department. 

You have to be aware of the system, for example, every time I want to wrap the ArtBus in a new banner I need permission.  But in general, as I have a wonderful relationship with my local partner and under good guidance, it has been relatively simple.”

• Fringe Fairs

Mona Hauser, Director of XVA gallery and Founder/Organiser of Bastakiya Art Fair, set up in March 2007

“In 2007 we decided to create a fringe fair that would show visitors coming to Dubai for the ‘Gulf Art Fair’ what was happening on the local scene.  Sheikh Mohammed gave us his permission and the Dubai Cultural Council came to our side to support this new project. 

It was really a hands-on effort at first, with galleries even painting their own banners.  But it got such great reviews that it fuelled us to plan for the 2008 ‘Creek Art Fair’.  We changed the name to ‘Al Bastakiya Art Fair’ in 2009 and were bigger and stronger with a new director, Emily Doherty. 

BAF 2010 is in the planning stages now and gaining interest from potential sponsors as it is now an important event to Dubai Culture. We’ve come a long way!”

A variety of factors obviously play into the setting up of a new art initiative in Dubai.  The advent of Free-Zones and districts such as the DIFC gate village in recent years has meant more options for gallerists.  Guidance is also more available in the form of company PROs, initiatives such as The Shelter and authorities such as Dubai Culture. 

We hope the range of perspectives from art professionals across the board has been both informative and thought provoking. Now we’d like to hear from you…Are you thinking of embarking on a similar venture? Do you disagree with what’s been said?  Join the forum by posting your opinion below!