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construct of an Arab identity.“ Edge of Arabia Jeddah:“ We Need to Talk” takes the audience from beginning to end, all the while traversing the brink.
Hafiz describes the exhibition as:“ A true homecoming for Edge of Arabia and is geared towards encouraging constructive discussion and dialogue between Saudi contemporary artists and the local community. All participating artists will react to our title‘ We Need to Talk’ within three categories: the past, the present and the future. This is a great opportunity for us all to think about how we can positively shape and influence the world around us.”
With art programs absent from most curriculums, and with few galleries across the country, EoA has positioned itself as an educational resource and way to connect younger artists with more established figures in the country. To accompany the exhibition, Edge of Arabia delivered an ambitious education program aimed at engaging local school and university students in contemporary art from across the region. The program included an art symposium held at the Jeddah chamber of commerce, a dedicated 100 square meter education room within the exhibition, with workshop, presentation and research facilities for visitors; guided tours of the exhibition and practical workshops with participating artists for �
104 DORCHESTER December 2012