Students’ National Identity Art Take Over Louvre Abu Dhabi

National Art Expressions launches at Louvre Abu Dhabi in its third edition. Taking place from 12 November to 8 December 2025 in the museum’s park. The exhibition will feature more than 1,500 artworks with live performances created by students across the emirate.

The showcase is the result of a year-long program by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), engaging more than 7,000 students from over 200 schools. Guided by 62 local and international artists, participants developed their skills through workshops, mentorships, and training sessions across six creative pathways: Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Literary Arts, Crafts and Folk Arts, Digital Arts, and Applied Arts.

The program brought together a judging panel of leading Emirati and international artists including Azza Al Qubaisi, Dr. Najat Makki, Jalal Luqman, Feryal Al Bastaki, Sawsan Khamis, Nasser Haj, Bénédicte Gimonnet, Sara Agha, Agnes Sheikh, Mouza Al Mansoori, and Maryam Al Marzouqi who evaluated more than 4,000 submissions and selected 1,500 artworks across all pathways.The panel also featured musicians, writers, and cultural experts such as Karmen Tockmaji, Saif Al Ali, Afra Mahmoud, Dr. Habib Ghuloom, Dr. Sameh Kaawash, Saeed Al Zaabi, Dr. Salem Al Ketbi, Gulmira Abdukhalikova, and Nasser Al Junaibi, who qualified 38 winning performances from schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra.

The opening week will feature five days of activations,from painting, jewellery-making and coffee-and-spice art workshops, to panel discussions with Dr Najat Makki, Sawsan Khames and students, in addition to live on-stage podcasts. Student-led performances, Emirati music, cultural activities and a special menu by SALT Abu Dhabi inspired by traditional dishes will turn the showcase into a true community celebration.

Students will join sessions for the launch of حروف واعدة(Huroof Wa’eeda) a book showcasing winning literary works such as poetry, short stories, and playwriting by young authors. Visitors can attend readings and have their copies signed by the students.

Visitors can also purchase student artworks, with proceeds going to support kidney dialysis patients through MA’AN’s initiative “Your Help Their Hope”, turning art into a force for community wellbeing. The exhibition also proudly features contributions from students of determination, underscoring ADEK’s commitment to inclusivity.

Now in its third year, the National Art Expressions showcase continues to strengthen the connection between education and culture, offering students real opportunities to engage with the creative industries and cultural heritage of the UAE. ADEK developed and funded the initiative to encourage youth to embrace their creative potential, while building pathways to future opportunities in arts pathways.

The initiative is supported by a wide network of Abu Dhabi’s leading cultural institutions, who contributed resources, expertise, and mentorship to help make the program a success. Key supporters include the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Education, ADMAF, Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, National Archives, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Ghaf Publishing, and the Creative Media Authority/Abu Dhabi Gaming.

The showcase highlights Abu Dhabi’s commitment to nurturing young talent and positioning the Emirate as a centre of artistic excellence. It also reinforces ADEK’s ongoing efforts to create meaningful learning experiences that connect students with their culture, families, and wider community.

The exhibition is free and open to the public from 12 November to 8 December at Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Park, from 10:00AM to 8:00PM. Everyone is welcome.