Dubai Culture invites submissions for Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2010
- Entries open to patronage extended to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film
- Applications can be downloaded from www.dubaiculture.ae/paa, open until Feb. 15, 2010
Dubai, UAE; January 5, 2010: The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is inviting submissions for the first Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2010. The award is the first of its kind initiative in the Arab world, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in March 2009.
The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards honours patrons of the arts from the region, and entries are open to individuals and organisations who have made financial or in kind contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and film during 2007 to 2009.
Mishaal Al Gergawi, Project & Events Manager from the Authority said: “Patronage is the catalyst that drives the growth of the arts. Art continues to thrive under the generous support of like-minded people, who understand and appreciate the importance of providing a sounding board for creative individuals to flourish.”
He added: “For the first time in the region, Dubai is taking the lead in identifying and honouring patrons of the arts, whose support has been incredibly essential in establishing the city as a home to a thriving cultural movement. Today, Dubai’s internationally recognised art scene owes much to their visionary patronage. The award, introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, underscores the importance that the Emirate extends to art patronage.”
“The role patrons play in the development of the arts is not only paramount to the development of the cultural scene, but is also a sign of social awareness of an integrated civil society where members of the community support, communicate and react to creative thought. This is the city Dubai aims to be and this is why patrons are crucial for us all,” explained Al Gergawi.
Awards will be conferred to the following four categories: ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Supporters of the Arts,’ and ‘Friends of the Arts’. Application forms and further information is available on-line at www.dubaiculture.ae/paa; the forms can be downloaded until February 15, 2010. All entries can be submitted by mail to: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Award, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Level 15, The Gate Building, Dubai International Financial Centre, PO Box 125115, Dubai, UAE. The inaugural awards will be presented in March 2010 at Art Dubai 2010, the leading contemporary art fair in the region, held annually in Dubai.