Emirati author and poet Shamma Al Bastaki recently represented the UAE at the Taobook literary festival in Taormina, Sicily, fostering cultural dialogue through a multidisciplinary approach to poetry and visual arts.
How is the UAE expanding its global literary footprint?
Shamma Al Bastaki’s presence in Sicily, supported by the “Local Literary Talents to Global” program from Dubai Culture, demonstrates an effort to move Emirati writers into international spotlights. This isn’t just about individual success; it’s about institutional infrastructure.
By aligning with the Global League of Literary Festivals, these organizations are standardizing how cultural exchange happens, moving away from one-off invitations toward long-term strategic alliances.
Why does “multimodal” storytelling matter in modern literature?
Al Bastaki’s latest work, House to House, reflects a growing trend where text no longer stands alone. According to the festival details, the work blends poetry with oral history and photographic collage, specifically drawing from the memories of Dubai Creek. This approach transforms a book from a reading experience into a historical archive.
This trend toward “hybrid literature” allows authors to preserve cultural heritage more effectively. By combining the subjective emotion of poetry with the objective evidence of photography and oral testimony, writers can document the evolution of urban spaces—like the transition of Dubai Creek—for a global audience that may not share the same cultural shorthand.
What happens when literature meets visual art?
The intersection of different artistic mediums was a central theme of Al Bastaki’s visit. She opened an exhibition by international artist Anish Kapoor with a poetry reading, signaling a move toward “interdisciplinary curation.” When poetry is paired with visual art, it changes how the audience perceives both; the poem provides a narrative lens for the art, and the art provides a physical space for the poem.
Comparing Cultural Diplomacy Models
The UAE’s approach to cultural diplomacy, as seen in the Taobook partnership, differs from traditional academic exchanges. While many countries focus on university-led research, the UAE is utilizing “literary hubs” and strategic partnerships between foundations to create immediate, public-facing cultural impact.
| Feature | Traditional Exchange | UAE Strategic Model |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Driver | Academic Research | Institutional Partnerships |
| Delivery Method | Lectures/Papers | Festivals/Multimodal Art |
| Goal | Knowledge Transfer | Cultural Dialogue & Visibility |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shamma Al Bastaki?
She is an award-winning Emirati writer and poet whose work spans poetry and visual arts, recently featured at the Taobook festival in Sicily.
It is a strategic collaboration under the Global League of Literary Festivals aimed at enhancing cultural exchange between the UAE and Europe.
What is the book “House to House” about?
The work is inspired by the memories of Dubai Creek and combines poetry, oral history, and photographic collage to document generational memories.
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