In the UAE's fast-evolving cultural landscape, artists, curators, galleries, educators, institutions, and cultural practitioners from across the world are in constant dialogue, bringing with them diverse experiences, expectations, and ways of working. It is this convergence of perspectives that makes the region's art scene both dynamic and complex.
Rather than viewing the art ecosystem as fixed this session is shaped by exchange, informed by lived experience, and constantly evolving through dialogue across the wider art community. As the sector continues to grow, questions around access, visibility, professional development, and institutional structures remain central to how the ecosystem is experienced and understood.
Together, the panelists will explore the visible and invisible forces shaping the contemporary art world, from the relationships between stakeholders to the opportunities and challenges, creating space for a more open and collective reflection on the future of the UAE's art ecosystem.
Mara Firetti is an Italian entrepreneur, art advisor, curator and collector with over 15 years of experience in the international contemporary art world. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Firetti Contemporary, a Dubai-based gallery dedicated to promoting emerging and established artists whose work engages with social, cultural and environmental issues. Through Firetti Contemporary, she champions projects that foster environmental awareness, social engagement and cross-cultural exchange, positioning the gallery as a platform for meaningful contemporary artistic discourse.
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Jalal Luqman is celebrated as a pioneering figure in Emirati Art, renowned for his bold approach and versatility as a mixed media artist. From digital to traditional mediums, including metal, wood and plastic, Luqman's artistic repertoire knows no bounds. He introduced Digital Art to the UAE in 1996 and seamlessly integrated it with traditional techniques to create captivating artworks that transcend conventional framing, evoking thought and emotion in viewers.He has exhibited his work in prestigious venues across the globe, including New York, Kuwait, Tokyo, and the UK. His groundbreaking achievements include being the first Emirati Digital Artist and Freelance Graphic Designer, as well as the first contracted Emirati website designer. Beyond his artistic endeavors, Luqman holds a Master's Degree in Cultural and Creative Industries, leveraging his expertise to advocate for the advancement of Emirati artists.
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Viktoriya Melny is a Dubai-based art advisor, curator and cultural strategist, and the founder of CultureMe Art Advisory. With an academic background in art market studies, she has developed an international practice focused on contemporary art, cultural programming and fostering dialogue between artists, collectors, institutions and audiences. Over the years, Melny has curated exhibitions, moderated panel discussions and developed cultural initiatives across the UAE and internationally.
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Rebecca Anne Proctor is an independent journalist, editor, author and art industry expert based in Dubai. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Art and Harper’s Bazaar Interiors, and previously edited the UAE edition of T: The New York Times Style Magazine. Her work focuses on contemporary art, culture and current affairs across the Middle East, North Africa, and Africa. Her writing has appeared in publications including The New York Times Style Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek, Frieze, BBC, The Art Newspaper, Artnet News, Vogue Arabia, The National, and The Business of Fashion. She is also an international consultant for Rizzoli Books and regularly contributes to books and exhibition catalogues on Middle Eastern and African art and culture.
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