Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant aligns with the government’s efforts to position Dubai as a leading global hub for the creative economy. By supporting local artists and galleries, the initiative helps expand their international presence while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a thriving cultural center.

Strengthening Dubai’s Art Ecosystem

Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to:

• Enhance the city’s reputation as the region’s art capital.
• Encourage both emerging and established UAE-based and Emirati artists.
• Provide financial backing to galleries for international exposure.
• Drive growth in Dubai’s creative economy by attracting long-term commitments from galleries and artists.

Eligible galleries must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a full-time presence in Dubai.
• Represent Emirati artists or those who have resided in the UAE for at least three years.
• Regularly showcase their programs beyond their gallery space, such as at institutions or art fairs.

Qualifying galleries can apply for up to 50% financial support for their booths at international art fairs, depending on the portion dedicated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted the grant’s significance, stating, “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely due to its vibrant art scene and thriving galleries. Through this grant, we aim to raise the international profiles of our galleries and artists, contributing to the global discourse on contemporary art and promoting Dubai as a center for artistic excellence.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi Gallery also praised the initiative, emphasizing that it is a vital step in strengthening Dubai’s role in the international art scene. “This grant supports our participation in global art fairs and helps us showcase our artists on an international level,” he said.

As part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to foster creativity and innovation, the grant ensures that the city remains a key player in the global art industry. By offering financial aid and international exposure, Dubai Culture continues to strengthen the local art community while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a dynamic and evolving cultural hub.

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Dubai Culture: Boosting Global Presence for Dubai’s Art Scene

Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its art scene internationally. It provides financial support to galleries that maintain a full-time presence in Dubai, represent Emirati artists or those who have lived in the UAE for at least three years, and actively participate in exhibitions beyond their gallery space. Eligible galleries can apply for up to 50% funding for an international art fair booth, depending on the percentage of space allocated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, highlighted the grant’s importance, stating: “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely attributed to its thriving art scene, which is centred around the city’s art galleries. Through this grant, we aim to elevate our artists on an international platform while fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi gallery also praised the initiative, noting that it provides essential support for local talent. He also emphasized that the grant will help galleries expand their reach, promote artists globally, and contribute to Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape.

Encouraging Growth and Cultural Exchange

Beyond financial assistance, the grant seeks to establish Dubai as a permanent fixture in the international art world. By supporting emerging and established artists, the initiative fosters a sustainable creative ecosystem, benefiting complementary sectors and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a center for artistic excellence.

Applications for the grant are now open. Interested galleries can visit Art Dubai’s official website or contact the Art Dubai team at pietro@artdubai.ae for further details.

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Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, emphasised the significance of the Public Art Strategy and its role in achieving Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for the creative economy, saying: “Public art is a distinctive hallmark of Dubai, showcasing its unique creative identity and the richness of its artistic landscape. It underscores Dubai’s vibrant environment that nurtures talent and develops capabilities in the arts sector, which forms an essential pillar of cultural and creative industries. The new programme will foster a culture of entrepreneurship, encourage innovation among artists, and inspire them to express their experiences, ideas, and visions through compelling art pieces, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the landscape and enable them to leave a lasting legacy through artworks that have a public presence in the city, thereby enhancing cultural tourism within the emirate.”

Spanning seven months under the theme ‘Shaping the Future of Public Art in the UAE’, the programme is a comprehensive curriculum comprising interactive seminars, workshops, and hands-on sessions led by renowned art-world professionals and industry leaders. Mentorship will be at the heart of the programme, with artists gaining guidance from established public art practitioners on how to navigate the intricacies of this dynamic field. Selected artists will learn the process of creating winning public art proposals and gain practical skills in project management, fundraising, and legal considerations for public art projects with the support of industry experts and mentors.

Alongside the Core Education Programme is the Community Education Programme, which will consist of monthly programming featuring industry leaders and specialists, offering insight into the creative process, commissioning and curating public art, and fostering community engagement. This programme part is open to all students, creative enthusiasts, and artists, fostering community interaction with Dubai’s Public Art Strategy which has already introduced several impactful projects. The first large-scale installation under the Dubai Public Art initiative, ‘Union of Artists’, was unveiled at the Al Hudaiba Public Park earlier this year. Subsequent installations included the mural ‘I am still learning’ at Al Safa Art and Design Library and the large-scale interactive sculptural playground ‘I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home’ at Jameel Arts Centre.

The programme, set to commence on Saturday, 22 February 2025, provides artists with a platform to explore the realm of public art, building sector knowledge and offering invaluable visibility for artists to private and public sector stakeholders for commissioning opportunities.

Dubai Culture invites all artists, designers and architects to apply for the Core Education Programme via Dubai Culture’s website. Applications will close on Monday, 10 February 2025.

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This curated exhibition features more than 40 modern artworks, highlighting a decade of dedication to the integration of art and architecture. Notably, the collection includes works from acclaimed Emirati artist Dr. Najat Makki, whose pieces have garnered international recognition. Since its establishment in 2014, the gallery at Al Noon Residence has provided a platform for both established and emerging artists from the region. Originally launched by International House as the UAE’s first art-themed boutique hotel, Al Noon Residence uniquely blends modern Arab art with contemporary architectural design. Upon its debut, renowned artists Dr. Najat Makki (UAE), Ali Hassan (Qatar), and Khaled Ben Slimane (Tunisia) were commissioned to design four floors of the building.

The artistic design process for Al Noon Residence fostered collaboration and idea-sharing among the artists. Khaled Ben Slimane dedicated a month to creating the artwork featured in the apartments, while Ali Hassan crafted custom pieces for the lobby on-site to accommodate their size.

Each artwork was specifically designed to complement the building’s aesthetics, enhancing the overall experience.

The trio also collaborated on the design of the building’s common areas.

Al Bait Al Duwaliy emphasizes collaboration with renowned local and regional artists to embed artistic and cultural elements in its projects. Al Noon Residence harmoniously integrates the works of pioneering, award-winning artists into its interior design. To further celebrate this creative milestone, the exhibition will also include pieces by distinguished Lebanese artists Michel El Mir and Hoda Baalbaki, showcasing paintings that reflect themes from Dubai. The collection features a diverse array of contemporary and abstract oil paintings, along with calligraphic works.

The 10th-anniversary exhibition will be open from September 29 to October 31 at the Al Noon Residence Gallery, situated in Al Barsha 1, Dubai. The gallery will welcome visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with free admission.

Rasha Almutawa, Executive Director of Al Bait Al Duwaliy, stated: “We are very pleased to celebrate this important milestone with an exhibition that not only showcases our journey but also envisions the future of art and modern architecture in Dubai. We are passionate about exploring the intersection of art and design in our real estate projects and hope this exhibition will inspire and foster a deeper appreciation for Arab art.”

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Dubai Summer Vibes at Opera Gallery
Opera Gallery’s summer exhibit features a diverse collection from global artists, exploring various styles of portraiture and abstraction. Highlights include works by renowned figurative artist Alex Katz, designer Kaws, painter Mersuka Dopazo, sculptor Anthony James, and contemporary artist Aboudia. The show offers a rich tapestry of techniques and color schemes, showcasing the varied approaches of these artists.

Exhibition runs until Saturday; Opera Gallery, Dubai; 04 323 0909

Hussein Sharif: Reframing Reality at the Cultural Foundation
Hussein Sharif’s retrospective at the Cultural Foundation presents a comprehensive view of his groundbreaking work spanning 40 years. This exhibition offers insight into Sharif’s evolution across multiple disciplines, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. His work reflects a deep engagement with postmodernism and the cultural shifts of the region.

Exhibition runs until Sunday; Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi; 02 657 6348

Native: Plants in the UAE at the Cultural Foundation
Also at the Cultural Foundation, this exhibition highlights UAE’s native flora. It explores how environmental factors influence plant growth and showcases the distinctive colors, textures, and behaviors of local plant life through educational art installations.

Exhibition runs until Sunday; Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi; 02 657 6348

Backbone Group Show at Carbon 12
The group show at Carbon 12 features six artists interpreting the concept of the backbone. The exhibition examines the spine’s physical and symbolic significance through diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, sound, and textiles. Artists include Nour Malas, Alia Hamaoui, Malik Thomas Jalil, Kais Dhifi, Jana Ghalayini, and the duo Audrey Large and Theophile Blandet.

Exhibition runs until September 7; Carbon 12, Dubai; 04 340 6016

Beghost at Nika Project Space
London-based artist Nika Neelova presents a solo exhibition at Nika Project Space, featuring sculptures made from glass, clay, and fossilized shark teeth. Her work offers a speculative glimpse into ancient marine life from Sharjah’s Buhais Geology Park and Jebel Buhais archaeological site, exploring themes of transformation and decay. The exhibition also includes a collection by archaeologist Nirmal Rajah, reflecting on fossil discoveries in Tamil Nadu, India.

Exhibition runs until October 5; Nika Project Space

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In 2022, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim showcased his exceptional talent at the National Pavilion UAE exhibition during the Venice Biennale. This exhibition highlighted his illustrious 40-year career, reaffirming his status as a leading experimental artist from the UAE. His work at the Venice Biennale brought global attention to his unique artistic style, characterized by abstract forms and organic structures inspired by the landscapes of Khor Fakkan on the Gulf of Oman.

Ibrahim’s inclusion in the Guggenheim’s collection is a testament to his significant contributions to contemporary art and his influence on the art scene in the UAE and beyond. The museum’s acquisition of his works not only recognizes his artistic achievements but also promotes the rich cultural heritage of the UAE on an international platform.

The announcement by Lawrie Shabibi underscores the growing global recognition of Emirati artists and their impact on the international art community. Ibrahim’s sculptures, now part of the prestigious Guggenheim collection, will offer a glimpse into the vibrant and evolving art scene of the UAE, inviting audiences worldwide to appreciate the depth and diversity of contemporary Emirati art.

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Objectives of the Program

The primary objective of the National Program for Grants for Culture and Creativity is to bolster the creative capacities of Emirati artists, writers, filmmakers, and other cultural practitioners. The program aims to:

1. Encourage Artistic Innovation: By providing grants, the program incentivizes innovative and original artistic projects, encouraging creators to push the boundaries of their respective fields.
2. Support Cultural Production: The grants assist in the production of cultural artifacts, from literature and visual arts to music and performing arts, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality cultural products.
3. Promote Emirati Heritage: The program supports projects that explore and preserve Emirati heritage, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the nation’s cultural history.
4. Enhance Professional Development: By offering resources and financial support, the program helps Emirati creators develop their skills, gain exposure, and achieve professional growth.
5. Strengthen Cultural Industries: The grants contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the cultural and creative industries in the UAE, positioning the country as a hub of cultural excellence.

Categories of Grants

The National Program for Grants for Culture and Creativity offers several categories of grants to cater to the diverse needs of Emirati creators:

1. Promotion and Local Engagement
2. Creativity and Production
3. International travel and mobility
4. Skill Development

The program promotes seven major areas: performing arts, music, film and television, authorship and publishing, cultural heritage and video games, and visual arts.

The UAE grants program also plays a crucial role in preserving and promoting Emirati heritage. This, in turn, fosters a sense of pride and continuity among Emiratis, strengthening the social fabric.

Apply- https://dms.mcy.gov.ae/ar/Pages/Create-Grant.aspx

Deadline- June 1, 2024

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The Art Souk, held under the umbrella of the Sikka platform, will feature numerous events highlighting the aesthetics of painting, illustration, design, and the use of resin in the arts. Over 10 Emirati artists will showcase a wide array of creative products, while the ceramics market offers visitors a chance to explore the marvels of pottery and ceramics, showcasing the expertise of the members of the pottery department at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, and displaying a collection of unique ceramic products.

Moreover, the second edition of the Art Souk will host a series of interactive sessions and workshops to educate children and adults about pottery techniques, theatre accessories, and other artistic methods, given by a group of specialists and artists. The souk will present a range of musical performances and entertainment activities provided by the Centre for Musical Arts. In collaboration with local culinary brands, Dubai Culture will also dedicate a section for food and beverages.

Adel Omar, Senior Special Project and Media Director at Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children affirmed Dubai Culture’s unwavering commitment to investing in young talent and providing an innovative platform for them to discover and develop their abilities, stating: “Art Souk offers a broad space for artists to participate in developing and enriching the local artistic scene by displaying their works and creative productions to all community members. It also enables artists to exchange experiences and establish and enforce connections among them, thus strengthening the cultural and creative industries in the emirate and increasing their contributions to Dubai’s creative economy. The second edition of the Art Souk is a testament to the Authority’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s artistic achievements, becoming a source of pride and interactivity for all.”

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Distinguished speakers at the session included Professor Salwa Mikdadi, Director of the Al Madrid Center for the Study of Art, Maryam Alfalasi, co-founder of IRIS Projects, and Noor Al-Suwaidi, an accomplished Emirati visual artist. Moderating the discussion was Emirati curator and founder of Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, Munira AlSayegh.

The session delved into various topics central to the Gulf’s artistic heritage, including the importance of archival practices in preserving this heritage, the evolution of creative movements within the UAE and the broader region, and the mechanisms facilitating artistic exchanges and their impact on Gulf identity. Speakers emphasized the global contributions of GCC artists and highlighted the dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation evident in Gulf art.

This collaborative session underscores the commitment of Dubai Culture and Fiker Institute to positioning Emirati artists, writers, and creatives at the forefront of international dialogue. By engaging in discussions on global intellectual and strategic issues, this knowledge partnership seeks to enhance the role of Emirati talents in shaping the cultural sectors on a global scale.

Through such initiatives, Dubai Culture and Fiker Institute aim to empower and expand the creative sector’s contribution to Dubai’s thriving cultural scene, fostering an environment where artistic expression thrives and Emirati talents are celebrated on the world stage. This collaborative effort signifies a significant step forward in nurturing the rich cultural tapestry of the Gulf region and promoting its artists on a global platform.

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The exhibition pays tribute to the visionary leadership of the late Sheikh Rashid, who transformed a remote location into a premier business, networking, and trade hub in the region. To commemorate this milestone, Dubai Culture has invited Emirati and UAE-based artists, designers, architects, and practitioners in the fields of visual, digital, and literary arts to submit their contributions and works inspired by the tower.

Applications for the Burj Rashid Exhibition will be accepted from 26 February to 5 April 2024. A specialised committee will evaluate the artistic submissions and select qualified participants to showcase their work in the exhibition. The event will be held with the support of the ‘Sikka Platform’, a Dubai Culture initiative that fosters creativity and innovation in the arts.

Prospective participants are encouraged to submit distinctive and innovative ideas that reflect the significance and historical legacy of Burj Rashid. The submitted work must be original, contemporary, and never previously exhibited or produced. Furthermore, submissions should align with the values and traditions of the local community to ensure cultural sensitivity and respect.

With registration closing in just 11 days, artists and practitioners across the UAE are urged to seize this unique opportunity to contribute to a landmark exhibition that celebrates Dubai’s rich history, visionary leadership, and enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in the arts.

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