{
  "id": 19802300,
  "title": "WeBecomeOne launches in the UAE, bringing Emirati and Austrian artists together",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/webecomeone-launches-in-the-uae-bringing-emirati-and-austrian-artists",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T11:57:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/gn-focus/company-news/webecomeone-launches-in-the-uae-bringing-emirati-and-austrian-artists-together-1.500746336"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WeBecomeOne, an international cultural endeavor uniting Emirati and Austrian artists, commenced in the UAE today. The initiative, spearheaded by Zubin Karkaria, Mike Reiter and Tom Lohner, merges Emirati and Austrian artists to promote artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and new opportunities for young Emirati talents. The project's inception stems from a shared mission to harness creativity to foster cooperation and understanding among diverse societies. Dubai, a thriving hub for cultures, innovation, creativity, and international collaboration, was chosen as the launch site for WeBecomeOne. The DIFC, a bustling cultural and lifestyle center in the city, hosted the inaugural event, supported by Bernd Alexander Bayerl, Austria's Ambassador to the UAE, and drew leaders from government, diplomacy, business, and the arts sectors. The WeBecomeOne installation, set to be displayed at DIFC during the 22nd DIFC Art Nights from November 12-15, 2026, fosters engagement between the district's cultural program and the broader community. Both Bernd Alexander Bayerl and Saleh Al Akrabi, DIFC Investments' Chief Real Estate Officer, highlighted the significance of cultural exchange in nurturing diplomatic ties and expressed their support for the initiative. The heart of WeBecomeOne lies in providing emerging Emirati artists with avenues to collaborate with globally acclaimed creators, exhibit their work to a wider audience, and engage in worldwide cultural projects. The launch event featured the unveiling of Hands of Becoming, the inaugural artwork of the initiative. This installation, crafted by Tom Lohner and collaboratively developed with Emirati artists, symbolizes unity, openness, and the creative potential that arises when diverse cultures intersect. Zubin Karkaria, VFS Global's CEO, emphasized art's capacity to unite people, foster harmony, and promote unity. Lohner, a prominent Austrian contemporary artist, lauded the opportunity to collaborate with Emirati artists, sharing the belief that WeBecomeOne embodies the spirit of creative dialogue and collective expression. As a founding supporter, VFS Global played a pivotal role in assembling the initiative's artists, institutional partners, diplomatic allies, and cultural leaders. The UAE launch marks the inaugural phase of WeBecomeOne's global expansion, with plans to exhibit Hands of Becoming at Expo 2027 Belgrade. The project's future includes additional international artistic exchanges and collaborative installations, solidifying its role as a sustained international platform connecting artists, communities, and institutions through creativity and cultural exchange.",
  "summary": "WeBecomeOne, a new international cultural initiative dedicated to connecting communities, countries and creative talent through art, was officially launched today in the UAE. Bringing together Emirati artists and acclaimed Austrian contemporary artist Tom Lohner, and rooted in a shared commitment to cultural exchange, the initiative aims to foster artistic collaboration and cultural dialogue,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}