Dubai award to honour global art patrons
Art connoisseurs who have contributed financially towards enriching the artistic life of Dubai will be honoured next year through the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts awards, according to Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).
The award is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Arab World, announced in March by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
By recognising the patrons behind the thriving arts scene in Dubai, Dubai Culture said it aims to stimulate the cultural sector of the region, help in the development of various art disciplines, strengthen the arts infrastructure and contribute to developing Dubai as a centre for content creation in the arts. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, said the initiative recognises both individual and organisation-backed patronage extended to culture and the arts.
"Dubai has become a vibrant hub for arts in the region, thanks to the efforts of its patrons," he said.
Dubai Culture is honouring patrons in the following categories: Distinguished Patrons of the Arts, Patrons of the Arts, Supporters of the Arts, and Friends of the Arts based on their contribution. The awards will be conferred during Art Dubai 2010, an art fair held annually in Dubai. Submissions can be made online at www.dubaiculture.ae shortly. Organisations and individuals who have made financial contributions through sustained support to the visual and performing arts, literature and films between 2007 and 2009 will be eligible for the awards.
Support
The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is supporting the Dubai International Film Festival (Diff) 2009 as part of its mandate to drive and support all cultural events in the city and nurture Emirati talent.
Abdulhamid Juma, Chairman of Diff, said that the support of Dubai Culture is vital in promoting Diff at the grassroots level and fostering the wider growth and development of the city's burgeoning arts scene.
Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer, Dubai Culture, said the synergies between Diff and Dubai Culture are strong and mutually beneficial. We are committed to encouraging home-grown initiatives and nurturing Emirati talent," he added.
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