ARTE Markets celebrate 8 years in September

From 30 display tables in 2005 to nearly 4000 artisans in 2013, the much anticipated art market will celebrate its 8th Anniversary this September.

This September, Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) will commence a new crafting season with a big anniversary celebration that will showcase truly inspired and innovative locally made quality gifts and souvenirs with a unique story behind the object or the ideas it represents.

The next ARTE market will be held on Friday, 6th September, 2013 at Dubai Festival Centre Mall (12pm-9pm) and the following Friday, 13th September, 2013 at Times Square Center (12pm-7pm).

Visitors can expect to shop and learn about products that are as authentic as the people. Artisans who exhibit at the fairs are selected on the basis of their artisan craftsmanship, originality of design, must be locally produced and all pieces must be handmade. Look out for an excellent variety of arts and crafts stalls offering top quality UAE Handmade products and the freshest gourmet foods (food items are at Times Square Centre only).

This month's ARTE will feature the highest standards and greatest diversity of fine craft available in the UAE. Choose from delicate pottery, vibrant jewellery, timeless home furnishings, seasonal decorations and custom clothing. Over fifty craft categories are represented with creative solutions for every person. You are guaranteed to find beautiful handcrafted objects to suit everyone's taste and budget.

Founding a Handmade Culture in the UAE

In September 2005, 30 artisans held their first ARTE Souk. This modest market, unbeknownst to them, would be the beginning of a massive market that would rapidly grow to become a local hub for quality arts and crafts in the UAE. Over the years, the diversity of the items presented has expanded. The artistic creativity and quality of the pieces have risen each year and as a result, ARTE – Artisans of the Emirates – has grown into a major national show attracting artisans from across country.

Artisans of the Emirates (ARTE) was founded in 2005 by Miriam Walsh, a felt maker, and Paul Townsend, a silversmith; both experienced artisans regularly featuring at the fairs in Dubai and long-term residents of Dubai. Today as the market approaches the eight-year mark, the founding members have continued to maintain the integrity of the original market concept that is clearly reflected in the quality of the work that is presented. Both Townsend and Walsh interview to each participating artist and seeking out the finest work. Both of them continue to exhibit their works through the ARTE Markets, further helping them get a sense of how to support what they are doing. Most of all, they understand and genuinely appreciate the richness that these crafts and arts adds to the country \.

During the early years, the artisans of ARTE were in many cases hobbyists and part time crafters. However, today ARTE boasts a network of nearly 3000 artisans, from over 30 different countries, who have benefitted from the safety and crucial opportunity that ARTE offers them to launch their own businesses during the challenging economic environment and has have professional artisans and you really see that in the quality of the work and in how the work is presented.

Along with the new artists, many have evolved along with the show. ARTE has been a valuable launch pad for several artisans and young emerging designers. Several have been discovered by local boutiques and retailers; give the opportunity to develop their own line of clothes, jewellery and other products.

Here is your chance to encourage and support the city's independent creative community. The UAE is a melting pot of cultures and artisans from all over the world, coming to together during ARTE to produce locally inspired crafts. At a time when everything is available everywhere, ARTE offers products with a genuine local connection, rich in stories and associations. Don't expect to find mass produced or imported goods here. What you will find are talented artists handpicked for their artistry skills and unique vision offering items you never knew existed and that you may never see again.  Expect the unexpected, including reconstructed clothing, handcrafted jewellery, whimsical and alternative plush toys, screen-printing, avant-garde art and much more!

Moreover, Feline Friends, who is a permanent fixture now at both the venues in Dubai Festival Centre and Times Square Center will continue with their fundraising second hand book sale. They offer an environmentally friendly (and budget friendly) option to stocking your library with wonderful books. All books at the sale are donations from the community, and are in fair or good condition. Both fiction of all genres and nonfiction will be available.

Having a strong social consciousness, ARTE supports many charities such as Feline Friends, Al Ishan Ajman charity, KIVA, and also supports the many charities run personally by our vendors. The support through and by ARTE reaches to far and afield.

For more information about ARTE, please visit www.arte.ae.