In an increasingly interconnected world where boundaries are becoming less defined, we often find ourselves pondering what might occur when traditional folktales are reimagined by different cultures and generations. The Folktales Reimagined project was conceived to creatively explore and answer these intriguing questions.
Originally initiated during the Sharjah World Book Capital (SWBC) festivities, the project has since been embraced by UAEBBY. Our overarching goal remains twofold: to honour and preserve cultural heritage while actively promoting cross-cultural dialogue and the exchange of innovative ideas. The essence of the project lies in inviting artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures to reimagine and reinterpret each other's most beloved folk tales.
Exhibitions Places
Folktales Reimagined at Bologna, Italy (2022): This edition featured captivating artwork contributed by five talented Emirati illustrators alongside five accomplished Italian illustrators. It was a celebration of cross-cultural storytelling through the medium of visual art.
Folktales Reimagined at Guadalajara, Mexico (2022): The project continued its global journey in Mexico, showcasing the creative output of five Emirati illustrators and five Mexican illustrators. Here, Emirati and Mexican narratives merged, offering unique perspectives on folktales.
Folktales Reimagined at Seoul, South Korea (2023): The journey of Folktales Reimagined continues in Seoul, South Korea, in 2023, where it promises to explore new narratives and interpretations, fostering cultural connections through the medium of illustration.
Folktales Reimagined at Abu Dhabi, UAE (2023): The exhibition took residence at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation in 2023. It featured the participation of ten Emirati artists, along with the illustrative creations of five Italian and five Mexican artists. Together, they imaginatively interpreted and breathed life into the most renowned folktales from these three distinct cultures.
Folktales Reimagined at Sharjah, UAE (2024): The exhibition took a tour to Sharjah Heritage located in the very own Heart of Sharjah, where the exhibition featured the collection that was illustrated by five Emirati and five Korean artists.
Folktales Reimagined at Thessaloniki, Greece (2024): Continuing from previous successes, this edition of folktales reimagined brought together Greek and Emirati illustrators along with their folktales, to creatively interpret and bring to life renowned stories from two different cultures.
The UAE Board on Books for Young People | UAEBBY
The UAEBBY was officially established as a non-profit organization on January 1, 2010.
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