Royal Bridges—an art movement dedicated to the enrichment of global artistry—under the support of ArtBahrain today announced that its inaugural edition will take place in Dubai from November 29-30, 2016 at the Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Center.

Royal Bridges will feature a multi-dimensional exhibition titled “Convergence” – showcasing the diverse, individual stories and narratives intertwined with the background of each exhibitor. With a special viewing opportunity for the general public on 30 November from 10am-4pm, the visual exhibition offers insight into the unique personalities and styles of a plethora of artists hailing from royal and princely houses worldwide, including HE Shaikh Dr Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani, HRH Princess Reem Al Faisal Al Saud, HH Prince Rotislav Rotislavovich Romanov of Russia, HRH The Princess Sophie of Romania, HRH Princess Lelli de Orleans e Bragança of Brazil and HRH The Duchess Diane of Württemberg.

Convergence will feature a diverse and robust selection of contemporary work from more traditional mediums of painting and sculpture to interpretive forms of expression and performances. All the works featured are curated to include artists that are internationally recognized thus encouraging the viewers’ understanding of modern-day royalty as creatives in their own right.

“Royal Bridges is a new initiative that links the Middle East with the world, as well as global artists of distinct backgrounds with new audiences for their work. Forging new bonds, encouraging emerging audiences and collectors, and building greater awareness and appreciation are all among the key aims of the Royal Bridges platform,” said HE Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Co-Founder of Royal Bridges.

Following the public exhibition of Convergence, November 30 2016 will include a collaboration with the leading auction house, Christie’s. With 250 years of auctioning expertise, including a decade in the Middle East, Christie’s will enable Royal Bridges to conduct an auction for all the exhibited pieces with proceeds benefitting the World Food Programme (WFP) charity. Funds raised will be used for WFP’s refugee and other emergency food needs. In addition, atypical performances by UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage: for instance, the Royal Drummers of Burundi with head of mission HRH Princess Esther Kamatari of Burundi and the Royal Cambodian Court Ballet with head of delegations HRH Prince Sisowath Tesso of Cambodia will provide entertainment during the gala dinner/auction.

“Christie’s is delighted to support Royal Bridges on its inaugural exhibition and auction, as we share their commitment to bringing new artists and their works to the region and increasing the understanding and appreciation of art in a diversity of forms,” said Michael Jeha, Vice Chairman, Christie’s Middle East.