Yas Island — EVELYN SUM

ART | YAS ISLAND ABU DHABI

THE MAKING OF A GLOBAL DESTINATION

In January of 2009, Farmboy Fine Arts was contracted as the sole art consultant for seven hotels on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. The deadline to launch all seven hotels coincided with UAE’s first Formula 1 Race slated to happen in November 2009. The objective for the art collections as per Chairman Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh’s orders, were to collaborate with artists that were exclusively National Emirati and GCC Nationals to focus on works that showcased a regional perspective. All this was to be sourced, curated, approved, produced, delivered and installed in less than 10 months.

As the Creative Director and art consulting lead for the Yas Island collections, Evelyn worked with each hotel’s interior design team, Aldar Hotels and Hospitality division, architects and project managers to bring their collective vision to life. The strategy was to develop and further the relationship with the art community to secure localized and culturally relevant collections. Using almost exclusively GCC National artists’ work was an exciting and challenging endeavour. Mixing emerging as well as established talent from the region, the Yas Island collection is a true and comprehensive tribute to the growing art community in the UAE.

art collections for seven hotels in ten months

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THE FLAGSHIP W ABU DHABI

W Abu Dhabi is a five-star hotel located on the Yas Marina and is the first hotel in the world to be built over a Formula One race circuit. The opening of the hotel coincided with the first race at F1 in hopes to make its mark on the global map.

While the world was anticipating the F1 race, the pressure was on to build an art program that consisted of 90% Emeriti artworks, many special commissions as well as custom mirrored glass panels for the executive suites to complete in time for race day. The time constraint was incredibly challenging with only 10 months to complete from concept to installation and along with 7 other hotels outfitted with art on Yas Island.

The art collection was completed on time and has gained much attention in the Abu Dhabi art scene. Art tours are given regularly as part of the guest experience at the hotel.