Al Quoz Arts Fest 2019
We explore the The Quoz Arts Fest.
The Quoz Arts Fest is an annual celebration of arts and culture in the bustling Al Quoz neighborhood. Now in it’s seventh year, this year’s edition was run under the theme of ‘CTRL+ALT+ACTION’, and was aimed at being the most diverse yet. The core focus of the event was to open up dialogue around economic, environmental, and social sustainability.
Hosted by Alserkal Avenue there was plenty to see and do over the two days including delving into the many galleries to see what’s new, along with the various activities and events held across Ave all aimed at . exploring the various facets of sustainability, how they affect our lives, and how we can take action to make a change through a range of workshops, talks, performances, films, tours, and much more.
There was also an interesting interactive exhibition titled Putting for Pleasure and Politics, which was an artist-designed mini golf course exploring contemporary social issues, including borders, wealth disparity, global warming, as well as racial and gender injustice, through the inherent absurdity of mini golf.
Also of note was independent Reel Palestine at The Yard which in collaboration with Cinema Akil Palestinian films had a screening of director Bassam Jarbawi’s movie Screwdriver (Mafak).
Walking around the area also provided another opportunity to check out OMA’s architectural masterpiece Concrete.
From a food perspective there were plenty of good vibes on offer from a host of food trucks including Little Erth by Nabz&G, Encas, The Mattar Farm, Mama’esh, 1004 Gourmet, Maiz Tacos, Myocum, Maisan 15, Canvas Gelato, and the Rose Bowl, all doing the best to whip up some delicious food and drinks.
Complimenting all of this were a range of live musical performances, creating a unique vibe and helping to underscore the diversity and creativity that this yearly event has to offer.
