421 is 10: Abu Dhabi's 421 Arts Campus celebrates decade of proud achievement

421 Arts Campus, the independent arts platform in Abu Dhabi dedicated to supporting emerging artists and creative practitioners from the UAE and the wider Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) region, celebrates its 10-year anniversary on November 15, 2025.

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

An installation view of an exhibition. Installation view of 100 - 100 exhibition, 2023. A panel discussion in progress. RIGHT: NYUAD MFA Graduate Show, 2023

"Over the past decade, 421 has supported more than 1,500 emerging creative practitioners, presented over 50 exhibitions including solo, group and traveling shows, and commissioned hundreds of new works across visual art, design, performance, and writing," says the arts major. "The institution has also delivered around 2,000 impactful programmes across residencies, grants and exhibitions, alongside various public programmes from talks to workshops, film screenings, symposia and special events, while training and mentoring more than 60 interns and creative facilitators.

"In addition, 421 has worked with over 250 regional designers through Dukkan421, its design store and platform dedicated to supporting and highlighting artists with design-led practices. Together, these efforts have engaged thousands of creatives and participants, shaping 421 into a vital hub for emergent creative practices." As the UAE's art scene continues to grow - propelled by major cultural institutions, art fairs, and a robust art market - independent platforms are playing an increasingly crucial role in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable cultural landscape. Since its founding, 421 has established itself as a cornerstone of this ecosystem, championing a community-led model that places process, participation, and experimentation at its heart.