Seven Exciting Opportunities for Emirati Artists

For artists, writers and creatives in the UAE and the Middle East, access to experience and funding has never been greater.

From residencies to awards and grants to competitions, we’ve compiled a list of some of the most exciting projects for participants.

Bahrain National Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2023

Bahrain National Pavilion in Venice Biennale The 18th International Architecture Exhibition is seeking multidisciplinary teams to explore the theme of water.

From the country’s historical role as an important trading outpost in arid regions to its modern dense urban environment, the presence of sea and fresh water has always been at the heart of the Bahrain Islands. Today, however, Bahrain has one of the lowest levels of water per capita, making it one of the biggest challenges facing the country.

Practitioners are invited to analyse water issues and offer solutions inspired by the country’s heritage.

Deadline is October 25th.More information at www.bahrainpavilion.bh

Art Jameel Research Grant: Mapping Art at KSA (1940-2000)

Art Jamil An opportunity is being offered for practitioners and researchers to gain a deeper understanding of modern art, exhibition history and artist networks in the Arabian Gulf.

Topics available for research include: Exhibition History in Saudi Arabia (1940-2000), Artist Networks in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf (1940-2000), and Art Education in Saudi Arabia and/or the Gulf (1940-2000) 2000).

Art Jameel aims to support original research by researchers with resources and fees of up to SAR 25,000 (Dh24,435) to fund their research.

Deadline is October 30.For more information visit www.hayyjameel.org

Lab Project: Archives

Darat al Funun in Amman, Jordan is inviting creative professionals from all disciplines to submit proposals to experiment, explore and nurture new ideas.

Successful applicants will be offered to use Darat al Funun’s project space Lab to produce and install their work.

The project is especially geared towards creatives working with archives; whether it’s Darat al Funun’s own 30-year archive, or any other archive centered around the region.

Prioritize projects that engage the community and the public through workshops, discussions, public contributions, or other means.

Deadline is October 31st.For more information visit www.daratalfunun.org

Cultural Foundation Art Residency 2023

UAE nationals and residents are invited to apply for a six-month residency organised by the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation Arts Residency.

The platform is a means for professional artists from all disciplines to enhance their skills and practice using dedicated studios and resources. The residency program will provide artists with a space to produce and display their work within the Cultural Foundation, providing unparalleled visibility and recognition.

Deadline is November 1st.For more information visit www.culturefoundation.ae

Sheikh Saud Al Thani Project Award

The Qatar Museum’s Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Project Award provides a grant of 30,000 QAR (Dh30,326) to support resident photographer development projects in West Asia and North Africa.

Grant recipients will also have the opportunity to showcase their work and participate in public and online programming as part of the Tasville Photo Festival in Qatar.

Meanwhile, the Sheikh Saoud Al Thani Single Image Award is open to photographers of all ages and experiences living in West Asia and North Africa. Applicants are invited to submit a single photographic image that best represents their experience and personal narrative. Winners will showcase their images in an online exhibition, receive cash prizes and participate in the Tasville Photo Festival in Qatar.

Deadline is November 1st.For more information visit www.tasweer.org.qa

Murals and Art Competition at the Waterfront Market

The Waterfront Market and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority are inviting local and indigenous artists to apply for a mural and art competition. Following Expo 2020 Dubai, artists are encouraged to present their vision for Dubai’s future.

As part of the 2023 Dubai Art Season, shortlisted and winning artists will have the opportunity to unveil their murals and receive cash prizes in exciting celebrations at the waterfront market.

Deadline is November 10th.For more information visit www.murals.waterfrontmarket.ae

2023 Christo and Jeanne Claude Awards

The 11th edition of the Christo and Jeanne Claude Awards is a launching pad for arts students and recent graduates, sponsored by Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan and NYU Abu Dhabi in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation .

Applicants are invited to work in any medium of their choice, including but not limited to photography, painting, sculpture, film, illustration, land art and multimedia. Encourage them to think creatively about how to present their work in a public setting.

The winning artist or team will receive $10,000 to complete their installation. The winning entries will be on public display in Abu Dhabi next November.

Deadline is January 31st.For more information visit www.nyuad-artgallery.org

Updated: October 15, 2022 1:27pm