AUS and ADMAF renew and expand partnership to advance student opportunities in arts and culture

Building on years of collaboration in arts and cultural education, American University of Sharjah (AUS) and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) have renewed their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening a partnership that connects students with artistic platforms, cultural programs and opportunities for professional growth.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Tod A. Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, and Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival. 

The agreement marks the formal renewal of a collaboration that has already opened meaningful pathways for students and emerging artists across the region. These have included panel discussions by prominent figures such as Richard Quest of CNN and Faisal Abbas of Arab News, hackathon-style programs curated by international film festivals and mentorship sessions for AUS students delivered by the award-winning Swiss graphic designer and educator Jiri Opaltek.

The renewed agreement also carries forward a series of initiatives to place AUS students in closer dialogue with the creative industries. A key example is ADMAF’s Young Filmmakers’ Circle, which has enabled AUS students to benefit from hands-on professional training, guided mentorship and opportunities to engage with international platforms.

"Our renewed partnership with ADMAF reflects our belief that the arts are central to a well-rounded education and a flourishing society. By connecting our students with one of the region's most respected cultural institutions, we are giving them the opportunity to develop their creativity, build real-world skills and contribute to the UAE’s vibrant arts and culture landscape," said Chancellor Laursen.

Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, said: “Through our education program, we seek to advance culture, the arts and the creative industries by investing in young people to develop capabilities and skills through an innovative and forward-looking mindset, in collaboration with our partners across UAE universities and academic institutions.”

Her Excellency added: “Since 2017, our ongoing partnership with AUS reflects a shared commitment to nurture creativity and celebrate excellence across research, training and cultural production, as well as design, the arts, multimedia and film. Together, we strive to present exhibitions and artistic works, organize intellectual forums and panel discussions, and create meaningful professional opportunities.”

The renewed MoU reinforces both institutions’ commitment to learning experiences that connect the classroom with the creative sector. Through the agreement, AUS and ADMAF will collaborate on competitions and creative programs in design, art, film, media and music, as well as interdisciplinary challenges exploring heritage, innovation, sustainability and cultural identity. The partnership will also support exhibitions, public programs, cultural events, artistic commissions and professional development opportunities, including internships for AUS students within ADMAF programs. Together, these initiatives will give AUS students across creative disciplines wider access to industry experience, cultural platforms and professional pathways. 

For more about AUS’ programs in the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) and the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), visit www.aus.edu/caad and www.aus.edu/cas.

To learn more about ADMAF, visit www.admaf.org.