A Global Tale: Emirati, Mexican, and Italian Folktales Revisited

In collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), MAKTABA, the library management department of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), officially opened the Folktales Reimagined exhibition today. The exhibition will run from October 16 to November 16 at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi.

In collaboration with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), MAKTABA, the library management department of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), officially opened the Folktales Reimagined exhibition today.

The exhibition will run from October 16 to November 16 at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. In attendance at the exhibition’s opening were Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, the chairperson of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Marwa Al Aqroubi, director of the House of Wisdom and president of the UAE Board on Books for Young People, Saleh Al Geziry, director-general of tourism at the DCT Abu Dhabi, and Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, undersecretary of the DCT Abu Dhabi. Prominent representatives from both factions were present at the inaugural event.

To highlight the viewpoints and experiences of the younger generation, the exhibition will feature works by ten Emirati, five Italian, and five Mexican illustrators who have reimagined characters from the most well-known folktales in their respective cultures. “We are delighted to organize the exhibition in Abu Dhabi following three successful editions in Italy, Mexico, and South Korea,” Al Aqroubi stated. As a result of the project, a new generation of illustrators with unique perspectives and life experiences were introduced. We hope to highlight our common cultural values as humans through this exhibition, which unite us despite our differences in geography. Folktales demonstrate once more that humankind is more alike than different.

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“The Folktales Reimagined exhibition presents popular folktales by artists from different cultures in an artistic and modern way, celebrating national heritage as a means of societies’ ethics and ancient traditions,” stated Shaikha Al Muhairi, Director of the Library Management Department, Culture Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi. Heritage stories, a vital component of people’s memory and sense of cultural and human identity embody the convergence of civilizations and culture.” Children and young people are the target audience for this exhibition, which will be complemented by a public program focused on folktales from the three cultures.

The interactive event “Folktales with a New Vision through Painting,” hosted by artist Magdy Al-Kafrawi, is scheduled for October 26–29 and promises to revitalize folktales through the medium of drawing. Professional illustrators, artists, and folktale enthusiasts are welcome to apply, regardless of their familiarity with digital or traditional drawing methods. Children’s reading sessions will also be available, allowing them to explore a variety of cultural stories. Children will also be able to participate in arts and crafts workshops for the duration of the exhibition.

Monday through Thursday morning school tours of the exhibition are also scheduled.

It’s an opportunity for both residents and visitors to explore the rich world of folklore and its enduring significance in the cultural and human identity of societies. This exhibition reaffirms the enduring power of folktales to connect us as people and bring our global community closer together.