Executive Artistic Director Bill Bragin reflects on 10 years of remarkable milestones
As The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi marks its 10th anniversary, Executive Artistic Director Bill Bragin reflects on a decade of groundbreaking programming, dynamic collaborations, and fostering local talent.
In this milestone year, The Arts Center looks back at its profound impact on Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.
Reflecting on the delicate balance of maintaining its distinct vision while embracing new collaborations in Abu Dhabi’s ever-evolving cultural scene, one of the key ways The Arts Center preserves its identity, Bill explains, is by leveraging long-term relationships with a select group of artists.
The Center has built deep, multi-year partnerships with figures like Aakash Odedra of Aakash Odedra Company, an award-winning international dance company that is based in Leicester, UK, and Maysoon Zayid, the popular Palestinian-American comedian and actor, among others, whose continued collaborations ensure that the institution remains rooted in its original curatorial voice.
“We’ve developed trust with these artists over the years, and through those relationships, we create work that’s meaningful and resonant,” Bill says, adding that these connections offer both consistency and opportunities for artistic growth.
Equally important to The Arts Center’s mission is the integration of local talent. Bill emphasises the importance of showcasing emerging Emirati and regional artists, helping them to develop new work.
“By providing platforms for local artists, like Reem Almenhali for example, we ensure that the programming reflects the diverse cultural identities present in our community,” he notes.
This focus not only strengthens the connection between the venue and its audience but also helps foster creativity that’s genuinely rooted in the local culture. Another cornerstone of its evolving strategy lies in cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations.
According to Bill, partnerships with organisations such as The NYUAD Institute, Abu Dhabi Music & Art Foundation, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and local government entities like the Environmental Agency Abu Dhabi, and partners from the business community, notably Mubadala and Van Cleef & Arpels, have allowed The Center to tackle significant social and environmental issues through innovative programmes.
He points to projects that span multiple disciplines and institutions as examples of how the institution pushes beyond the boundaries of traditional performing arts spaces, creating experiences that are more inclusive and multi-faceted.
“These collaborations open the door to new possibilities,” Bill remarks, underscoring how The Arts Center’s reach extends far beyond its own walls.
Audience engagement is also a top priority for The Arts Center. As Bill explains, they have worked tirelessly to create immersive, participatory experiences that resonate with diverse local audiences.
“We want to ensure that the audience isn’t just passive; they become part of the experience. By fostering a sense of community and interaction, we can sustain our unique identity while continuing to evolve.”
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Reflecting on a decade of cultural impact
In reflecting on The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi’s 10-year milestone, Bill sees it as an opportunity to both celebrate its achievements and evaluate the evolution of The Center and its surrounding community.
The milestone marks a significant moment for the institution, one that Bill believes allows for reflection on how far they’ve come and what the future holds.
“We’ve established ourselves as a key part of the cultural landscape in Abu Dhabi,” he says, adding that after a decade of programming, The Arts Center has solidified its unique identity.
He explains that reflecting on its legacy enables them to evaluate the lasting impact they’ve made on the local community.
According to Bill, this moment offers an opportunity to appreciate the way the venue’s curatorial vision has resonated with audiences and shaped the arts in the capital. One significant factor Bill emphasises is the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s broader arts ecosystem.
“The growth of The Arts Center has paralleled the development of the local arts scene,” he points out, noting how it’s navigated an increasingly vibrant cultural landscape.
The rise of new venues, artists, and collaborative opportunities has been integral to this journey, and Bill stresses the importance of assessing how they have adapted and thrived in this ever-expanding environment, while further refining its own point of view.
Bill also sees the 10-year milestone as an opportunity to evaluate how The Center has responded to changing artistic trends and audience needs.
“We’ve had to evolve with our audience,” he notes. The changing tastes of Abu Dhabi’s diverse population, as well as global shifts in the arts, have encouraged The Arts Center to remain adaptable.
Bill says they are constantly reassessing their programming to ensure it remains relevant and meaningful, acknowledging that this adaptability has been key to their success.
Looking ahead, Bill is clear that this milestone isn’t just about reflecting on the past but also about charting a bold path forward.
He views this anniversary as a chance to inspire new ideas and future ambitions, with the artists performing now influencing the arts which will be created in the UAE in the future.
“We’re looking at how we can continue to grow, innovate, and engage more deeply with the community,” he shares. This reflection, he believes, will pave the way for The Arts Center’s continued impact over the next decade and beyond.
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