Marking its ninth anniversary, 421 Arts Campus has firmly established itself as an independent platform dedicated to nurturing emerging artists and creative practitioners in the UAE and the wider region. Since its founding in 2015, 421 has become a hub for research, learning, and experimentation, fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment for creative innovation and cultural dialogue.
Located in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed, 421 provides a diverse year-round program, including exhibitions, workshops, talks, and educational initiatives. These programs aim to make art and creativity accessible to the wider community, from children and students to educators and creative professionals, while supporting the growth of the UAE’s dynamic creative ecosystem. Through partnerships with local, regional, and international institutions, 421 offers participatory approaches that encourage artistic skill development and critical engagement.
Once known as Warehouse421, the campus occupies a repurposed warehouse featuring galleries, studios, co-working spaces, a library, and an outdoor plaza. This multi-functional space hosts film screenings, symposia, art installations, and performances. The campus is also home to permanent art installations commissioned from previous exhibitions, enhancing its cultural offerings.
In celebration of its ninth year, 421 presents Way of the Forest, a travelling exhibition from the arts festival Colomboscope. Open since September 22, this exhibition brings together the works of 19 artists from South Asia, South West Asia, and Africa. Installed across 421’s Galleries 1 and 2, the exhibition explores ecological histories, interdependence, and custodianship. It invites audiences to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature by examining forests as sites of wisdom, resistance, and transformation.
As Faisal Al Hassan, Director of 421 Arts Campus, stated: “We are delighted to bring this major group exhibition to Abu Dhabi, marking our second collaboration with Colomboscope. Way of the Forest exemplifies our commitment to fostering cultural dialogue and inspiring new ways of thinking about art’s role in addressing global challenges.”
The exhibition features artists such as Rakibul Anwar, Moza Almatrooshi, Shiraz Bayjoo, and Otobong Nkanga, among others. Curated by an international team, Way of the Forest explores themes of ecological wisdom, resilience, and the transformative power of art.
Location: 421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi
Dates: September 22 – December 29, 2024