As Dubai hosts the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) from 30 November to 12 December 2023, the city’s creative and cultural hub Alserkal Avenue has transformed into a conscious space that fosters sustainable development and cultural innovation. By bringing together artists, change-makers, and the climate curious, Alserkal Avenue is demonstrating the vital role of culture in shaping the future of humanity and the planet, and urging policymakers not to overlook its importance. With this mindset taking hold of the city, the cultural landmark has unveiled a programme of events to coincide with COP28, from exhibitions to pane workshops. Here’s everything you can attend at Alserkal Avenue this COP28.

‘Melting Point” Climate-Related Exhibition

Julian Charrière: ‘Melting Point’, a climate-related exhibition that reveals the hidden beauty and fragility of our planet’s polar regions, will be on display at Project Space (Warehouse 50) from 1 December to 6 January. The exhibition is a collaboration between Alserkal Initiatives, a cultural enterprise that promotes social responsibility; Art of Change 21, a non-profit organization that connects art and environment and has been a key player in each COP; and Julian Charrière, a renowned and emblematic artist who engages with climate issues.

Week Plastic-Free Drinking Water Campaign with WAYOUT 

To promote the consumption of plastic-free drinking water, Alserkal Avenue has launched a campaign from 30 November to 13 December that will ban single-use plastic bottles on its premises. The campaign is spearheaded by WAYOUT Water, a resident water-tech company that produces locally sourced and purified water in the Avenue. Visitors are encouraged to exchange their plastic bottles for refillable ones at designated collection points, where the plastic waste will be weighed and recycled. The campaign will provide data on the environmental impact of reducing plastic usage. Visitors can also refill their bottles at Le Guepard, Carbon 12, and Chalk, which are participating in the campaign by serving WAYOUT Water. You can find more information about WAYOUT Water at their warehouse (Warehouse 56).

Responding through Art 

Leila Heller Gallery showcases three solo exhibitions that explore the theme of water in different mediums and perspectives. Clifford Ross, an American multimedia artist, presents his photographic works that capture the ocean’s force during storms. Diane Tuft, a photographer and environmental activist, exhibits her works that document the visual effects of climate change and global warming on the polar regions. Maxi Cohen, a filmmaker and water artist, displays her water art created in the UAE, titled ‘The Poetry of Water’. On 6 December, Maxi Cohen will also give a talk at Leila Heller Gallery on the impact of immersive art. At Volte Art Projects, Rashid Rana’s exhibition, on view until 3 February, features a striking installation called ‘It Lies Beyond’, which deceives the viewer’s eye with a seascape that is actually composed of photographs of garbage.

Sustainable technology with Acer 

From 6 to 12 December, Acer invites visitors to the A1 space at Alserkal Avenue to experience “Acer Climate Lab”, an activation that showcases Acer’s latest climate commitment and sustainable technology. The activation aims to create a platform for discussions on tackling climate challenges and raising awareness about the environmental impact of the tech industry. Visitors can explore Acer’s history as a company driven by sustainability and humanity, learn about their ongoing projects, and discover Acer’s range of eco-friendly solutions that pave the way for a sustainable future.

Peaceful Engagement with TIME FOR BETTER 

The Hope House, a visionary space for positive change, is being held at Jossa by Alserkal from 29 November to 7 December, hosted by the climate change activism community TIME FOR BETTER. The event brings together leaders from various sectors and backgrounds, such as civil society, the private sector, policy, and NGOs, with the common goal of creating a more fair and sustainable future. The program will feature stimulating sessions on topics such as climate storytelling, clean energy transition, and biodiversity, and will end with a celebration of Earth during COP28.

Panel Discussions and Generative Workshops by kyu Collective 

From 3 to 7 December, Warehouse 46 will be transformed into “The Loom” by Kyu, a collective of strategically curated creative organizations. The Loom is a space where visitors can discover how the intersections of leadership, storytelling, innovation, and emerging technology can contribute to climate solutions. The event will offer a series of workshops and panel discussions, including one that explores how a heart-centred connection to the planet can complement the scientific perspectives that often dominate the climate conversation. Additionally, Kyu House Lates will take place from 4 to 6 December, 8-10pm, featuring a night of short films and conversation workshops.

From Ink To Action Comic Initiative

From Ink to Action is a collaboration between LICAF (Lake International Comic Art Festival) and the British Council (MENA) that aims to inspire environmental awareness through the power of comic art. The exhibition, taking place between 9-22 December at Warehouse 58, showcases 12 new comic books created by regional artists that tackle issues related to the climate crisis. The ‘Parallel Programme’ features a kids workshop on 7 December at Thejamjar with one of the participating artists, and a dialogue session on 10 December with the director of the Lakes International Comic Art Festival.

‘Fashion for the Planet’ with The Edit 

Rumana Nazim, the founder of Avenue community member The Edit, has curated an exhibition showcasing fabrics for the planet in the Green Zone in Expo City Dubai Pavilion, which will be showcased from 6 to 8 December. The exhibition will highlight the environmental and social impacts of the textile industry and the innovative solutions that can make it more sustainable. On 8 December, Rumana will moderate a panel discussion at Expo City Dubai, featuring designers from India, industry representatives, and experts from the Middle East, and UK, and the US.

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