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Encounter: The Royal Academy in the Middle East, an exhibition featuring over 80 works of art in a wide variety of media by 25 Royal Academicians and 25 prominent artists from across the Middle East.  Encounter offers a unique concept in showcasing the best of contemporary art practice around the globe.  Eschewing the presentation of a single curatorial point of view or theme, Encounter enters into the spirit of engagement with the international art community and the general public by inviting important artists from different countries to exhibit side by side with a selection of prominent Royal Academicians. The aim of Encounter is to provide a platform for dialogue amongst practitioners working in a wide range of media – painting, sculpture, assemblage, photography and video – and for an international team of curators to exchange ideas about different communities and environments and how this translates into visual art experience. The Royal Academy of Arts counts among its members many of the world’s most renowned artists, spanning generations and working in a variety of styles and techniques. Many are rightfully recognised as influential pioneers of contemporary art. The participating Middle East artists are among the most established and eminent talents emerging from around the region. This unique combination of artists presents a rich and dynamic cross section of cultural perspectives.