“District 1795” emerges as a groundbreaking digital platform dedicated to the creative economy in the Middle East and North Africa. This initiative not only provides a specialized learning environment but also fosters collaboration among artists, curators, and experts, aiming to cultivate a vibrant community engaged in the arts and culture domain.
District 1795 has launched as the first independent digital platform focused on the arts, culture, and creative economy sectors in the Middle East and North Africa. It establishes a knowledge hub that offers specialized learning opportunities and creates an interactive environment for artists, curators, and experts to share their insights and experiences with a broad audience. The platform is based in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the accelerating momentum in the cultural scene of the UAE and the growing role of creative industries as a fundamental driver of sustainable economic development.
This launch is in harmony with national trends aimed at nurturing talent, enhancing career pathways in the cultural sector, and employing advanced technologies and artificial intelligence to serve education and knowledge production. The platform offers high-quality educational content in both Arabic and English, featuring courses led by a select group of artists, curators, and experts across more than 16 disciplines, ranging from visual and performing arts to design, architecture, traditional practices, cultural diplomacy, creative entrepreneurship, and the modern intersections of artificial intelligence and the arts.
In addition, the platform provides knowledge resources, specialized cultural programs, and podcasts documenting the journeys of influencers in this sector. Kauthar Ben Slim, the founder of District 1795, stated, “The idea for District 1795 arose from the need for a platform that makes learning in the fields of arts and culture more accessible and straightforward. Much of the cultural knowledge has been confined or fragmented, while the demand for it among artists and enthusiasts is significant. We wanted to create a space that brings cultural creators together with their audience, opening the door for dialogue and learning in a direct and contemporary manner.”
She added, “Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its presence as a center for arts and culture, and District 1795 comes as an initiative that supports this direction through a digital platform that integrates education, technology, and community, contributing to the support of creative identity and creating new opportunities in the sector.”