About US
Board Of Directors

John Davey

Chairman

John is from Cape Town, South Africa. He has both MSC and MBA academic degrees, and is currently working as a project manager in Dubai. His interests are music, specifically playing the piano, Oil Painting at DIAC and camping. He served on the board from 2005 to 2007 as Operations Director and has now taken on the role of Chairman.

Eugene Nosal

Vice-Chairman

 Eugene has lived in Dubai since 1998 and has a consulting business for seismic services for petroleum exploration. Prior to moving to Dubai he lived in Saudi Arabia for 4 years. Home is Houston, Texas. He joined the DIAC Board of Directors in 2005 as Finance Director. The biggest financial challenge facing DIAC is coping with rising rental rates, and I have guided the increases in DIAC fees to meet our obligations and maintain value to our membership. I see the same financial demands to continue.

Nelda Gilliam

Gallery Director

 Nelda is a professional fine artist who has held solo exhibitions internationally. She has been involved in Art Organizations as board member and treasurer in Houston, Texas, and is currently exhibiting her work at XVA Gallery in Dubai. She looks forward to contributing to Dubai International Art Centre Gallery 76 as Director.

Did you know that serious art thrives on intelligent thinking minds?

Gallery 76 is committed to the promotion as well as development of serious, imaginative relevant art.  In the pursuit of our objectives, we have taken some necessary risks, welcoming unknown new artists.

 We gravitate towards artists, regardless of their artistic background, medium or style, whose technical competence and creativity are matched only by their dedication, high-mindedness and intellectual honesty.

 We support artists not because they are commercially viable, but because we believe strongly in what they are trying to achieve.

 We don't impose our business or its aesthetic tastes on artists but encourage them to freely evolve and pursue their individual inspiration and vision.

I have been Director of Gallery 76 since its beginning in January, 2005. I receive all inquiries for exhibiting in the Gallery 76, review the work submitted, and respond to all inquiries.

To date Gallery 76 has hosted 26 exhibitions.  We have exhibited local and International artists, students from local Universities, and students and teachers from DIAC.  We also host the Photography Extravaganza each year.  Some of the International artists have come from France, UK, Lebanon, Korea, Iran, South Africa, India, America, and Pakistan, to name a few.

 Gallery 76 serves to give our students links to artists outside our membership.  Our students learn from and are inspired by being exposed to all different media.  We increase our image by exhibiting all aspects of art, traditional, contemporary and conceptual.  Gallery 76 has become successful in this endeavor and has reached this goal and vision by exhibiting art.

 Most of all we want to enjoy and dream with the artists and urge them on their sojourn here in the United Arab Emirates. 

Adrian Sender

Finance Director

 Adrian has a BSc in Economics, Accounting and Italian and works as Chief Administrative Officer of Lehman Brothers, Dubai & Qatar.

Having moved from London to Dubai, 18 months ago with his wife Carrie, one of the first places they went, was to enrol in a photography course in the DIAC.

"Dubai International Arts Centre offered the perfect blend of quality courses, culture as well as being a wonderful place to meet people from diverse backgrounds".

Adrian greatly looks forward to further enhancing the centre's reputation and image.

Kate Toledo

Exhibitions Director

 Sheikha Maisa Al Qassimi

Development Director

 Art permeates every aspect of Sheikha Maisa Al Qassimi's life. Her artistic training began at the american University of Dubai where she obtained a degree in fine arts and visual communication, majoring in graphic design and photography. Since her graduation, Al Qassimi visits Great Britain regularly to attend courses at institutes such as The Edinburgh College of Art and the Central Saint Martins in London. These studies have helped Al Qassimi to master printmaking, mixed media and other techniques.

While Al Qassimi does not adhere to a particular artistic style, her favourite artist is Andy Warhol. Her love of photography has resulted in several shows in the UAE, namely the Nokia 'Fonetography' Charity Art Auction in Dubai, 'Concept 5' at the Dubai Ladies Club and 'Women in Art1' and 'Women in Art 2' held in collaboration with Art Connection at the Courtyard Gallery. Within her photographic work, Al Qassimi incorporates an assortment of media which gives way to an enhanced and powerful finished piece.

In November 2004, Al Qassimi answered another calling, that of retail, with the opening of her own boutique - Amzaan at Dubai's Wafi City and then later in Jeddah.. Al Qassimi chose a traditional name, 'Amzaan' for luck, believing in its Arabic translation of a rain filled cloud that symbolizes good fortune.

Jeff Schofield

Operations Director

I am an architect and an artist who has lived in Dubai for the past 7 years. I became a member of the Art Center 4 years ago. During this time I've taken classes in all subjects pertaining to painting and sculpture, and have established good relations with all of my teachers. I also enjoy attending the art show openings, because I"m a firm believer in good modern art. Indeed, I've had some success in exhibiting my own work at the Art Center over the years.

 I"ve become more involved in activities here as time goes on. Promoting the Art Center among my friends and colleagues is an ongoing effort of mine. Ive brought in a number of new students and members in recent years. I have also been available to assist with various activities and installations at the Art Center.

 As a director I would continue to promote the Art Center among the community in Dubai. I would also like to promote the highest quality in art. My contribution to the Board of Directors will include my knowledge of the Art Center, its teachers and its members. I am ready to assume a larger role in helping to lead the activities at the Art Center in a positive and creative direction.

Angela Murlowska

Director of Public Relations