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Sunny Rahbar

Co Founder, The Third Line

Sunny Rahbar is a prominent figure in the Middle Eastern art world, best known as the co-founder and director of The Third Line, a leading contemporary art gallery in Dubai.12

Background and Career

Sunny Rahbar was born in Oklahoma but moved to Dubai at the age of three. She later studied in London and New York, where she noticed a lack of representation for Middle Eastern artists in global art hubs.2 This realization inspired her to create a platform to support artists and creatives from the Middle East upon her return to Dubai.

In 2005, Rahbar co-founded The Third Line gallery along with Claudia Cellini and Omar Ghobash.1 The gallery was established in Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, with the mission of showcasing work by artists from the Middle East and North Africa.

The Third Line

Under Rahbar's leadership, The Third Line has played a pivotal role in the development of the contemporary art scene in the Middle East:

  • Pioneer in the region: The gallery was one of the first spaces in the region to represent artists formally.1
  • Multifaceted approach: Initially, it operated more like a nonprofit arts center, focusing on engaging audiences and creating a space for discourse.1
  • Artist representation: The gallery represents artists of MENA (Middle East and North Africa) origin, both those living in the region and in the diaspora.1
  • Diverse mediums: The Third Line works with artists across various mediums, including painting, photography, sculpture, and film.1

Vision and Impact

Rahbar's vision for The Third Line has evolved over the years:

  • Initial goal: To create a dynamic space and platform for the emerging contemporary Middle Eastern art scene.1
  • Current focus: Supporting artists' careers "beyond the physical gallery walls" and uniting stakeholders in the arts around shared visions and values.2
  • Future outlook: Rahbar emphasizes the importance of community and sustainability in the art world.2

Sunny Rahbar continues to be a influential figure in the Middle Eastern art scene, driving innovation and fostering connections between artists, collectors, and institutions in the region and beyond.

Highlights

Oct 19 · news.artnet.com
Meet the New Innovators: 9 Next-Gen Dealers Who Are Rethinking ...
Dec 12 · globalcomment.com
Interview with Sunny Rahbar, Co-Founder of the Third Line Gallery ...
Jul 26 · ninunina.com
INTERVIEW WITH SUNNY RAHBAR — Ninu Nina Artist Interviews
INTERVIEW WITH SUNNY RAHBAR — Ninu Nina Artist Interviews
How The Third Line raised the bar for art in the Middle East

Related Questions

What inspired Sunny Rahbar to move to Dubai at a young age?
How has Sunny Rahbar's background influenced her approach to art and culture?
What challenges did Sunny Rahbar face when founding The Third Line?
How has The Third Line evolved since its inception in 2005?
What are some notable projects or exhibitions curated by The Third Line?
Sunny Rahbar
Sunny Rahbar, photo 1
Sunny Rahbar, photo 2
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Location

United Arab Emirates