Art & Design
We champion the creative people, places and spaces across the Gulf.
FeaturedJayesh Veralkar on building Vinyl Souk and collaborating with 25hours Hotel One Central
Vinyl Souk welcomes the New Year at 25hours Hotel One Central with vinyl-led DJ sets, community energy, and a grassroots music experience in Dubai.

Soundstorm 2025 Guide: Riyadh's Biggest Music Festival
Soundstorm 2025 returns to Riyadh from 11–13 December with global headliners, massive stages and immersive productions. From ticket prices and the full lineup to travel tips and what to expect on-site, here’s your essential guide to Saudi Arabia’s biggest music festival.

INTERVIEW: Liv East brings London soul to Dubai’s Ginger Moon
Round up the crew for soulful vibes! Liv East brings her smooth London energy to Ginger Moon at W Dubai Mina Seyahi this Saturday and next.

Saudi rapper Asayel talks culture, musical influences, and what's next!
Born in Makkah and creatively shaped by Jeddah’s cultural buzz, Asliyah’s sound is a rich fusion of heritage and innovation. We caught up with her to talk about her journey, the inspirations behind her music, and how she’s carving a path for the next generation of artists in Saudi Arabia.

R&B, hip-hop and indie are the name of the game at Abu Dhabi’s BRED 2025 Festival line-up
Celebrated for its exciting line-ups, BRED Abu Dhabi has been a fixture in Abu Dhabi's musical events calendar for three years. The festival is back again and is set to take place from April 23 to 27, 2025, at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. This event, billed as the neo-culture festival, promises to be one of the region's most anticipated cultural festivals of the year.

Exclusive Interview: 90s R&B Icons Damage on Their Upcoming Dubai Performance
With a career spanning over three decades, Damage continues to bring their signature energy to stages worldwide. Ahead of Rahssan J Bromfield, Jade Jones, Andrez Harriott and Noel Simpson’s much-anticipated Dubai performance, Hayley Alexander at Art in the Middle sat down with the group to talk about their musical evolution, their connection with fans, and what it’s like to reflect on a career that has lasted over 30 years.

RIMOWA x GEWA Drop the Ultimate Trumpet Case
RIMOWA x GEWA have collaborated once again, this time on the Trumpet Case Silver. This limited-edition collaboration combines RIMOWA’s renowned craftsmanship with GEWA’s expertise in musical instruments. Designed to meet the high standards of professional trumpet players, it’s the perfect fusion of functionality and elegance.

Exclusive Interview with Singer and Songwriter Blake Winters
For jazz lovers, Blake Winters takes the stage at Q’s Bar & Lounge at Palazzo Versace, Dubai. Known for his soulful voice and remarkable versatility, Blake’s journey is one of authenticity, creativity, and passion. Having collaborated with music titans such as Chris Brown and Sam Smith, he has carved out a unique path in music. In this exclusive interview with Art in the Middle, we explore his creative process, influences, and what audiences can expect from a night with him at Q’s Bar & Lounge.




