First established in 2012, CAD has acted as a school for artists, curators, writers, architects, designers and cultural producers based in the UAE. It has grown over its past 9 iterations developing into an all-encompassing educational programme to also include aspiring art professionals, wanting to either change fields or start professional work in the creative industries.
For artists, each year a special curriculum is designed around a pertinent theme and CAD participants explore the significance of local knowledge with individuals and institutions in the region through course material and a series of seminars, lectures, workshops and off-site visits. Sessions are led by academics, critics, curators and artists.
For professionals, a bespoke programme is designed to give a 360 degree understanding of the art world through work experience, a series of seminars, tours, and professional networking opportunities.