Dubai Expo 2020 campaign to showcase artists’ work

Twenty-one sculptures created by artists around the world will represent the sub-themes of Expo 2020: mobility, opportunity and sustainability.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State and Director General of the Dubai Expo 2020 bureau, speaks ahead of the launch of the For Everyone campaign. Karim Sahib / AFP

DUBAI // A campaign to build awareness about Expo 2020 and the history of the international exhibition was launched with an interactive showcase by 21 artists from around the world.

Twenty-one sculptures will represent the sub-themes of Expo 2020: mobility, opportunity and sustainability.

The sculptures, which range from three to six metres high, will be unveiled across prominent UAE locations. They will be accompanied by an interactive screen allowing visitors to learn more about the artwork, artists, Expo 2020 Dubai themes and the impact of the world expos.

In three weeks, sculptures will transform into three, six square metre Expo 2020 logos, one for each sub-theme, and put on display.

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State and director general of the Expo 2020’s bureau, said the campaign, For Everyone, will provide a platform to collaboratively shape the expo experience through dialogue and debate.

“Art is universal in its appeal and understanding,” Ms Al Hashimy said. “We hope the expression of our theme and sub-themes through the eyes of the world’s artists will spark dialogue around the challenges that impact out daily lives and connect the community.”

She added that a competition, open to UAE residents and nationals, to create the new logo for Expo 2020 Dubai will begin later this month. The winning design will be unveiled on October 20.

“We wanted to give people across the UAE the chance to truly express their interpretation of everything the UAE and Expo 2020 embodies, and help create our emblem to the world,” she said.

On April 10, 2,020 days from the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai, two traveling experiential roadshow zones will be introduced and will visit all seven emirates in the following weeks.

The roadshows will display the history of world expos from the first edition in 1851 to Expo 2020 Dubai. They will also include interactive screens and motion controlled sensor displays.

“Our core objective is to build on inclusive ideas that deliver something special,” Ms Al Hashimy said. “Our world expo will be for the people and will touch every corner of the UAE’s unique tapestry of culture, innovation and ambition. This is about creating an opportunity for people to envision the future and their role within it.

“We are on a remarkable journey together. We all share our path in shaping this vision, and in determining how Expo 2020 Dubai will be for all, making it an once-in-a-lifetime event that will leave behind a truly transformational legacy that touches everyone.”