Mohammed visits Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award exhibition

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has visited the exhibition of shortlisted works for the 9th edition of The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award, at City Walk.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the artworks on display, and praised the high calibre works on display.

He expressed his appreciation for the role of The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award in enriching the arts and cultural scene of the UAE, through the encouragement of young talents to pursue careers in the arts fields by providing them with a valuable launchpad to present their work and vision to the general public.

During his tour of the exhibition, he stopped to speak to some of the featured artists about the content and ideas expressed in their works, and urged them to continue extend their potential through hard work and perseverance; and wished them all the best of luck in the creative edeavours.

Moreover, the exhibition, which features 50 artworks by young Emirati and UAE resident artists, was inaugurated by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman Of Dubai International Marine Club, with the attendance of VIP guests comprising of representatives from the Judges Panel, senior officials from Dubai Women Establishment, distinguished members of the local and international art community and members of the media.

Additionally, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted the wide variety of mediums and styles represented in the show that captured the essence of different subject matters with many layers of meaning. He added that the high-standard of works on show was a testament to the unwavering efforts of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, to raise the importance and prevalence of art and culture in the community, through the launch of various art initiatives, such as The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award.

On the occasion, Sheikha Manal said, "I have always held a deep regard for the role of the Arts within the framework of any society and in the understanding that Art is a universal language and a powerful tool for intercultural communication.

“This realisation comes with a responsibility to further its influence and impact through sustainable arts development.
“The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award was born to fulfil this mission; and what began nine years ago, as a humble platform for the recognition and support of the young emerging artists, has rapidly evolved into one of the most important art competitions in the region.

“The impact of this Award is a reflection of the creative potential of the UAE, ready to shine and thrive when given a platform for expression."

Held under the royal patronage of Sheikha Manal, The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award has been around since 2006 as an annual visual arts competition which aims to encourage, recognise and promote emerging artists from the UAE and is especially popular amongst university students majoring in Art, Design and Multimedia.

The open-air exhibition, which is curated by Patricia Millns, Artist and Advisor - is strategically located within the heart of the city's urban arts scene at City Walk - the premium outdoor destination by Meraas Holding. Designed for discerning visitors with eclectic taste, City Walk has quickly become an urban cultural hub of the city, making it the ideal location to host the 9th edition of the Exhibition for the 50 Shortlisted Artworks of The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award.

The show will be open to the public until Saturday, 24th January, 2015 from 10 am to 10 pm.

Moreover, members of the public are invited to share their experience of the Exhibition of 50 Shortlisted Artworks of The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award with its new #ClickYAA social media photography contest.
Over the course of the exhibition, which will is open until 24th January, 2015, participants may creatively capture moments from the exhibition to post on Instagram while using the official hashtag: #ClickYAA. The best photograph will win cash prizes.

The public is also invited to vote for their favourite art work for ‘The People’s Choice Award’ through the website’s online voting feature.

The People's Choice Award is distinctive in that it is the only award that is not conferred by the jury. Rather, it is bestowed on the finalist artist whose work receives the most public votes.

To view the 50 shortlisted entries and to submit your vote for ‘The People’s Choice Award’ please visit www.youngartistaward.ae.

The distinguished panel of judges for the 2014 edition of the Award comprises of industry professionals and practicing artists from the local and international art community, which includes Dr. Lamees Hamdan, Commissioner of the National Pavilion of the United Arab Emirates at La Biennale di Venezia 2013, Fatma Lootah, Emirati Artist, Reem Fadda, Associate Curator of Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi, Antonia Carver, Fair Director of Art Dubai, Cyril Zammit, Fair Director of Design Days. The winning artists will be announced during the Gala Award Ceremony to be held in late-January 2015.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.