The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the emirate’s dedicated organisation for developing, promoting and preserving culture, heritage and the arts, is currently seeking submissions for the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards.

The awards were announced during Art Dubai in March 2009 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

“By extending the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards to patrons from the region and beyond, Dubai is leading a new dynamic to promote the arts,” said Mishaal Al Gergawi, Project and Events Manager, Dubai Culture.

The awards honour financial contributions or support in kind to the visual and performing arts, films and literary initiatives in Dubai from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009. The awards will be conferred in four categories: ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts’; ‘Patrons of the Arts’; ‘Supporters of the Arts’; and ‘Friends of the Arts’.

The awards will be presented in March at Art Dubai 2010. Nominatioin forms can be downloaded from dubaiculture.ae/paa or mailed to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Level 15, The Gate Building, Dubai International Financial Centre.