The Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (ADTC) and the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) announced the launch of the second phase of the “Inclusion of World Heritage Sites” in school curriculums.
This project aims to promote national identity and loyalty, while reinforcing UAE’s history and heritage among students.
Given that the Al-Ain heritage site is registered as the first Emirati site on the World Heritage List at UNESCO since 2011, the new project will help integrate art characteristics in the Art curriculum.
Dr. Najwa Al-Hosani, Curriculum Division Manager at ADEC, said that this project aims to introduce students to artistic features of archeological sites that reflect Al-Ain’s history & civilization, while developing art teachers’ experiences through connecting artistic elements of national heritage with ADEC’s art curriculum.
“ADEC is keen to collaborate with various local and public entities and institutions to preserve these sites and instill the value of art, creativity and innovation among students and future generations,” she explained.
Ms. Linda Wannous, Art Curriculum Specialist at ADEC’s Curriculum Division pointed out that these visits are considered the second phase of Inclusion of Artistic Elements of Heritage in Art Curriculum that were launched back in December 2015.
Organizing field trips to visit archaeological sites in Al-Ain, including the Al-Muwaiji Palace, seek to help teachers and students recognize the work accomplished by ancestors in the past to maintain national identity of those who lived on this land since the ancient days. It also aims to enhance teachers’ abilities to develop innovative thinking in the field of creating and designing art activities and workshops on national heritage for their students, while making use of such activities to help students develop a positive attitude towards art in order to raise a generation that appreciates the concepts of art, history and heritage.
Dr. Musa Salem, Head of Content Development section at the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority pointed that ADTC is keen to cooperate with ADEC to launch new initiatives in order to promote heritage awareness among students and encourage them to visit archaeological sites in Al-Ain and recognize the work accomplished by ancestors in the past to maintain national identity of those who lived on this land since the ancient days. He indicated that it is of paramount importance to instill the value of art, creativity and innovation among students through designing & implementing artwork that simulates art characteristics in these archaeological sites, while using them in an artistic context that is inspired by teachers and students, whose artistic ideas can help boost the components of national identity.
Students’ artwork will be exhibited in the Al-Saadiyat Art Gallery for five days by June 2016.
The Gallery will shed the light on students’ artwork, which was designed under the supervision of their teachers. The artwork showcases art and artifacts, potteries and various local heritage elements.
Students will be given the chance to visit the gallery and learn more about the work and designs of their peers.
- ADEC Media
