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Mai Abu ElDahab

Innovator in Contemporary Arab Art

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Date of Birth:

1978

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Cairo, Egypt

Place of Birth:

Why Featured?

Mai Abu ElDahab is a prominent curator whose work has significantly expanded the presence and influence of contemporary Arab and Palestinian art on the global stage.

Brief bio

Mai Abu ElDahab is a Palestinian-Egyptian curator known for her transformative contributions to contemporary art, particularly within the Arab world. As the Director of Mophradat, she has fostered numerous opportunities for Arab artists, including Palestinians, by creating innovative cultural programs and exhibitions. Her curatorial work is distinguished by a commitment to supporting art that challenges conventional narratives and promotes critical discourse around identity, history, and social justice.

Major Milestones

Contributions

  • Born in Cairo, Egypt (1978): Raised in a culturally rich environment, Abu ElDahab’s early life in Cairo shaped her understanding of the intersection between art, culture, and politics.

  • Became Director of Objectif Exhibitions, Antwerp (2007-2012): Her tenure at this non-profit art space marked the beginning of her influence in the global art scene, where she curated groundbreaking solo exhibitions for emerging international artists (Independent Curators International (ICI)).

  • Co-Curator of Liverpool Biennial (2014): This prestigious role highlighted her ability to bring Arab and Palestinian art into significant global conversations, promoting underrepresented voices (MoMA PS1).

  • Appointed Director of Mophradat (2015): Under her leadership, Mophradat has become a vital platform for supporting Arab artists, including those from Palestine, through grants, residencies, and collaborative projects that have a profound impact on the Arab cultural landscape (CIMAM).

  • Launched "Living Stipends for Palestine" (2021): This initiative provides financial support to Palestinian artists, ensuring they can continue their creative practices despite the challenges posed by the occupation.

  • Supporting Palestinian Artists: Through Mophradat, Abu ElDahab has provided critical resources and platforms for Palestinian artists, helping them sustain their practices and gain international recognition.

  • Curatorial Innovation: Her work has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional curatorial practices, introducing new formats and approaches that emphasize collaboration, experimentation, and critical engagement with social issues.

  • Promoting Arab Contemporary Art: Abu ElDahab has played a key role in bringing contemporary Arab and Palestinian art to the forefront of the global art scene, challenging stereotypes and highlighting the richness of Arab cultural production.

  • Educational Contributions: Through publications and speaking engagements, she has contributed to the education of a new generation of artists and curators, particularly in the Arab world, fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary art’s role in society.

  • Advocacy for Cultural Justice: Abu ElDahab’s initiatives, such as the "Dis-enabling Spaces" program, have addressed critical issues like sexual violence in the arts, promoting safer and more equitable cultural spaces, including for Palestinian artists.

Date of Last Update: 
September 3, 2024

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