ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi’s first permanent, public piece of sculpture was unveiled today outside of the Crown Prince’s Diwan by Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan – The Chairman of Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage; and Mohammed Khalaf al Mazroui – The Director General of ADACH. It has been gifted to the nation by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi reflecting the vision of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the UAE.The sculpture consists of nine pieces, each an individual letter in bronze, which together make up the word TOLERANCE. The work has been created by artist Guy Ferrer, one of France’s preeminent contemporary sculptors and painters.

The unveiling of TOLERANCE takes place during a week of significant arts and culture related activities, including Art Paris international art fair and the Abu Dhabi Collectors’ Programme. The rulers of Abu Dhabi have long had an appreciation of the importance of art and culture to human well being and the development of society.

The location of the sculpture on Bainuna and 25th street junction has been carefully chosen to allow everybody who lives, works and visits Abu Dhabi to enjoy it. A public parking area will be created to allow people to stop and enjoy the sculpture close up.

“As our city evolves and develops we are keen to make sure that we put people at the centre of what we do. Human enjoyment of our public spaces is an essential component of building a flourishing city,” said Sheikh Sultan.

Guy Ferrer was born in Algeria in 1955. He lives and works in Saint Ouen, France and in California. His works have been shown New York, Denver, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Miami and Washington, Japan, Venezuela, Switzerland, Kenya, Singapore, Germany, Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon.

T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E, according to Ferrer, is more than one installation or one work of art. It is an ambitious and challenging project that seeks to cross cultures and geographical boundaries. T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E has taken Guy Ferrer two years to complete.

The work was first conceived in 2004 by the artist in reaction to a global preoccupation with theological differences. In the words of the artist, “We live in an increasingly global society in which people of all religions live and work side by side, but where paradoxically, the opportunities for cultural misrepresentation are greater than ever.” The artist, concerned by a renewal in global conflict between religions, proposes a vision of reconciliation and a message of hope.

He presents an ode to tolerance incarnated in nine letters in bronze: priests, wise men and pilgrims.