LOCAL ARTS •
A L S E R K A L L AT E S W I L L K I C K S TA R T WITH 10 NEW CONCEPTS OPENING THEIR DOORS, AND NEW EXHIBITIONS AT T H E D I S T R I C T ’ S C O N T E M P O R A R Y ART GALLERIES. THE 60+ CONCEPTS I N A L S E R K A L A V E N U E W I L L S TAY O P E N L AT E F R O M 6 P M T O 1 0 P M , INVITING THE PUBLIC TO JOIN THEM IN C E L E B R AT I N G A N E W S E A S O N O F A R T, C U LT U R E , A N D E N T E R TA I N M E N T. CREATIVE COMMUNITY GROWTH Ten new concepts have opened their doors in Alserkal Avenue since the spring, further growing and diversifying the district’s cultural offering. Âme Studio, Chalk, Cyacle (acquired by Careem), electriclimefilms, Italian Shoe Factory, KAVE, Shimis Yoga, Society Motors, Tamashee, and Wisdom Warehouse, have joined the 500,000-square-foot cultural district, a vibrant community of visual and performing arts organisations, designers, and artisanal spaces that have become an essential platform for the development of the creative industries in the UAE. “The original concepts opening in Alserkal Avenue add a new dimension to our vibrant community of creative homegrown entrepreneurs — a place where we continue to take a risk on the risk-takers,” says Vilma Jurkute, Alserkal Director. “The new homegrown businesses continue to challenge and disrupt industries through a new way of thinking that is spearheaded by passionate entrepreneurs who collectively contribute to the growing creative economy of Dubai, and the region.” Chalk (Warehouse 63) is brainchild of Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash, and is a unisex beauty salon, and will offer a range of grooming services. Shimis Yoga (Warehouse 42), founded by Simona Stanton, will add to the district’s wellness offering. The family-run Italian Shoe Factory (Warehouse 9) is the foremost manufacturer of custom-made shoes worldwide, offering services to both brands and individual clients. Society Motors (Warehouse 67) is the UAE’s sole distributor of Piaggio automobiles, Europe’s largest scooter and motorcycle manufacturer, is the world leader in light motor vehicles including Ape, Vespa, Moto Guzzi, and encourages clients to customise vehicles to make them eco-friendly. KAVE (Warehouse 20) is an upcycling café concept founded by Rania and Zeina Kanaan, the sisters behind Charicyles. The space is also a fair trade boutique and guitar shop, and hosts workshops. Wisdom Warehouse (Warehouse 61) is a creative hub for children, offering hands-on activities and innovative learning methods through original clubs and workshops. Floral studio Âme (Warehouse 81) is a retail, café, and workshop space. High-end regional footwear brand Tamashee (Warehouse 59) has transformed its warehouse takeover space in Alserkal Avenue into a multi-purpose concept where visitors can shop, indulge in Saudi speciality coffee, or take part in art workshops. Bikeshare operator Cyacle (Warehouse 30), which was recently acquired by Careem, is extending its reach by opening a Dubai office in Alserkal Avenue, as is boutique film house electriclimefilms (Warehouse 60), which opened its doors in The Yard. fact magazine
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