AHMED EMAD
Summary
Curatorial and cultural programming professional with experience at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Louvre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi. Engaged in the development of exhibitions, interpretive strategies, and public programs that connect contemporary art and global narratives to diverse audiences.
Brings a strong foundation in curatorial research, exhibition interpretation, and narrative development, with experience contributing to artist-focused projects, interpretive materials, and audience-centered frameworks. Works collaboratively with curators, artists, and institutional teams to shape exhibitions from concept to delivery, ensuring intellectual rigor alongside accessibility and engagement.
Combines critical research, writing, and project coordination skills with a curatorial approach grounded in dialogue, interdisciplinarity, and cross-cultural exchange. Particularly interested in curatorial practices that expand representation, challenge conventional narratives, and position museums as active sites of knowledge production and public engagement.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Public Programming specialist
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
2025.11 - Current
- Design and deliver innovative cultural and public programs that engage diverse local and international audiences, in alignment with the museum’s curatorial vision and mission.
- Develop interdisciplinary programming, including talks, workshops, performances, and community-led initiatives, that connect exhibitions to wider social, cultural, and urban contexts.
- Collaborate closely with curators, artists, and educators to shape exhibition interpretation strategies, ensuring content is accessible, engaging, and meaningful for varied audiences.
- Contribute to the development of interpretive materials such as exhibition texts, public guides, and audience-facing content across physical and digital platforms.
- Facilitate dialogue between exhibitions and audiences through public programming that deepens understanding and encourages critical engagement.
- Lead audience development efforts, ensuring inclusivity and relevance across different communities, age groups, and backgrounds.
- Manage end-to-end program delivery, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, and on-site coordination.
- Build and maintain relationships with cultural institutions, universities, and creative practitioners locally and internationally.
- Oversee evaluation and reporting processes to assess program impact and inform future initiatives.
- Integrate digital and hybrid programming formats to expand reach and enhance audience engagement.
Cultural Engagement & Art Mediation
Louvre Abu Dhabi
2023.01 - 2026.04
- Developing Educational Programs: create and design educational programs tailored to different age groups, school curriculums, and special interests. These programs may include guided tours, workshops, lectures, hands-on activities, and outreach programs.
- Research: Conducted extensive research in arts, including art history, contemporary arts, and cultural heritage, providing valuable insights for exhibitions, publications, and educational programs.
- Conducting Tours and Workshops: lead guided tours and workshops for school groups, families, and VIP visitors, providing engaging and informative experiences that enhance understanding and appreciation of the museum's collections and exhibitions.
- Creating Educational Resources: Develop educational materials such as activity sheets, lesson plans, multimedia presentations, and online resources to support learning before, during, and after museum visits. These resources often align with educational standards and objectives.
- Collaborating with Teachers and Schools: Collaborate with educators and school administrators to align museum programs with classroom learning objectives.
- Evaluating Educational Programs: Assess the effectiveness of educational programs through visitor feedback, surveys, and observation. Use this data to continually improve programs and measure their impact on learning outcomes.
- Promoting Inclusivity and Accessibility: Strive to make museum experiences inclusive and accessible to visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. This may involve developing specialized programs for diverse audiences, providing accommodations, and ensuring physical and digital accessibility.
Art Director
The Factory Production - Dubai
Dubai
2022.01 - 2023.01
- Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
- Exercised and demonstrated use and mastery of elements of design to meet goals.
- Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive pieces to enhance creativity and gather fresh ideas.
- Managed technological considerations to transform and manipulate artwork.
Office Director
HH Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum office
2020.01 - 2022.01
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Directed work to coordinate efficient production operations.
- Directed work of key team members to achieve project's goals.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
Head of design team
Arab Seeds - Dubai
Dubai
2018.01 - 2020.01
- Designed website layouts, templates and unique branded looks.
- Worked with clients to gather and define requirements, establish scopes and manage project milestones.
- Completed in-depth product design tests using updated software tools.
- Developed display, marketing and packaging materials to support product branding strategies.
- Managing Social media & Design team
Education
Master's degree - Contemporary Museology and museum communications
IULM University
Italy - Milan 2025.01 - 2026.03
Bachelor - Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Sharjah
2012.01 - 2018.01
Skills
- Curatorial Research & Concept Development
- Exhibition Interpretation & Narrative Building
- Cultural Programming & Public Engagement
- Artist Research, Liaison & Commissioning Support
- Content Development (Wall Texts, Catalogues, Didactics)
- Critical & Contextual Analysis (Art, Culture, Society)
- Exhibition Planning & Coordination
- Cross-disciplinary Collaboration (Curators, Artists, Designers)
- Audience-Centered Interpretation Strategies
- Writing & Editing for Cultural and Institutional Contexts
- Project Management & Institutional Coordination
- Stakeholder & Partnership Development
- Public Speaking, Moderation & Facilitation
- Community Engagement & Participatory Practices
- Digital & Hybrid Exhibition/Program Development
LANGUAGES
Arabic
English
French (beginner)
TRAININGS
- Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac: African Arts. Sub-Saharan region by Hélène Joubert
- France museums & Louvre Abu Dhabi: Museum Engagement & storytelling techniques.
- Musée d'Orsay: Post - Impressionism Arts by Jean Remi Touzet.
- France Museums:. Mexican and Mayan Art History.
- Bibliothèque Nationale de France: Training on the history of Kalila wa Dimna.
- France Museums: Islamic art on Cartier jewelry from the 1800s.
Timeline
Public Programming specialist
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
2025.11 - Current
Master's degree - Contemporary Museology and museum communications
IULM University
2025.01 - 2026.03
Cultural Engagement & Art Mediation
Louvre Abu Dhabi
2023.01 - 2026.04
Art Director
The Factory Production - Dubai
2022.01 - 2023.01
Office Director
HH Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum office
2020.01 - 2022.01
Head of design team
Arab Seeds - Dubai
2018.01 - 2020.01
Bachelor - Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Sharjah
2012.01 - 2018.01