Sharjah Performing Arts Academy Signs MoU with Emirati Musicians’ Association to Advance Artistic Collaboration and Promote Emirati Musical Heritage
Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) and the Emirati Musicians’ Association (EMA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster greater collaboration in the fields of teaching, research, performance, and the promotion of Emirati musical heritage.
Signed by Professor Peter Barlow, Executive Director of SPAA, and Ihab Darwish, Founder and President of EMA, the MoU sets the stage for a dynamic partnership aimed at advancing artistic exchange and professional development across the UAE.
Under this new agreement, SPAA and EMA will work together on a wide range of initiatives, including:
- Exchange of professional artists, teachers, and students for mentorship, academic collaboration, and professional development.
- Joint organisation of performances, productions, festivals, competitions, and conferences in both Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.
- Sharing of best practices in teaching and learning within the music and performing arts sectors.
- Promotion of Emirati musical heritage both locally and internationally.
"This agreement marks an important step towards building stronger bridges between SPAA and the wider Emirati music community," said Professor Peter Barlow. "We are delighted to partner with EMA to support the professional growth of musicians and performing artists in the UAE, while celebrating and promoting our nation’s rich musical heritage."
The MoU will remain in effect for an initial period of four years and will guide the development of specific collaborative projects between the two organisations.
The partnership reaffirms SPAA’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering cultural exchange in the performing arts, while strengthening ties with key stakeholders in the UAE’s creative sector.