Laila Binbrek
Laila Binbrek is the Director of the National Pavilion UAE (NPUAE), which presents the United Arab Emirates’ annual exhibition at the Venice Biennale. She has worked to set the pavilion’s ongoing strategy and vision in collaboration with its commissioner, the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and manages its operations and team. Additionally, she oversees the development of the Venice Internship, a training programme that to date has sent around 200 interns to Venice as ambassadors for the UAE and its rich culture. In 2021 the Pavilion was awarded the Golden Lion for best National Participation at the Architectural Biennale.
Laila has significant experience within the region’s cultural industry. Before joining the National Pavilion UAE, she spent 6 years at The Third Line, one of Dubai’s leading contemporary art galleries, as Gallery Director she worked to develop a platform for MENASA artists from across the region. Prior to that, Laila managed the Art Centre at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC), with the goal of promoting community engagement within the local community of the UAE.
Q&A
Q: Did you go to university, and if so what did you study?
I graduated with an Honors Bachelor of Fine Arts with a specialisation in Studio practice, from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
Q: What was your first ever job?
My first ever job was as a gallery assistant at the public art gallery in Waterloo. The funds from the job helped to pay for my supplies as I pursued a degree in Fine Art.
Q: Most inspiring moment in your career, or person you have worked with?
Winning the Golden Lion for best National Pavilion at the International Architecture Exhibition at the 2021 Venice Biennale. This happened right as we were coming out of Covid so the win was extra special and a monument to the hard work the NPUAE and the curator team put into the exhibition and research.
Q: Essential book to read / movie to watch / artist to follow today.
- Amin Maalouf ‘On Identity’
- Paulo Coelho ‘The Alchemist’
Both books take you on a journey to discover one’s self, to question preconceived notions that we might hold, and realise that sometimes the answers we seek are right in front of us.
Q: Why is the creative field in the UAE exciting at the moment?
The creative field in the UAE has always been exciting ever since I moved in 2006. The creative scene in the UAE reflects the dynamism that this nation embodies. We are always striving to move forward, do better, experiment, fail, succeed, and celebrate achievements. In particular I am excited by the individuals and groups that are working to reclaim narrative, to reposition the reading of art and history from a global south perspective – to me that is very interesting and a much needed viewpoint.
Q: Any tips for submitting an application or succeeding in an interview?
- Do your homework.
- Know what you are applying for.
- Follow the instructions given.
- Learn how to write and format a cover letter correctly.
- Adhere to the deadlines given.
- Do your homework – I cannot emphasize this enough.
Q: Most underappreciated role in the creative sector?
The administrators, finance, the installers, the project managers, and the communications team.
Q: Favourite event in the UAE cultural calendar?
The opening of the National Pavilion UAE each year at the Venice Biennale of course!!! I know it takes place overseas but it is very much a UAE event that should be on everyone’s calendars.
