Dubai’s cultural and artistic scene now has a new roadmap that was underscored at the inaugural ‘Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards’ by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, heritage and the arts. This focuses on content creation locally by supporting art patrons and encouraging them to make financial contributions that drive arts initiatives in Dubai.
Dubai Culture had honoured organisations and individuals for their support to arts initiatives with the inaugural awards. Now, Dubai Culture is encouraging patrons of the arts to extend their continued support for arts initiatives in 2010. Their patronage will take the spotlight next year at the second ‘Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards.’
The objective of Dubai Culture’s encouragement of patronage to the arts is to create a stronger cultural infrastructure in Dubai while also nurturing local talent and enabling them to express their creative aspirations through powerful and original content.
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’ – for financial or in kind contributions to promote performing arts, literature, visual arts and films or related Dubai-led initiatives during 2010. The call for submissions and more details will be announced in due course.
Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer at the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said the inaugural awards have become a referral point for cultural patronage in the region. “The Awards stands as a testament to the support of the Dubai Government in promoting cultural initiatives in the Emirate. The collective contribution of the honourees has played an instrumental role in elevating Dubai’s cultural scene.â€
He added that the expansion of Dubai’s capacity for artistic production will be shaped by the generous patronage of private groups and individuals. “Patronage is a long-term investment for the sustainable development of the cultural scene. The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Awards will continue to inspire the creative community to sharpen their contribution and focus on original content creation that will have global appeal and resonance.â€
Dubai Culture had honoured more than 50 individuals and organisations, who collectively contributed more than AED 220 million towards cultural initiatives in Dubai from 2007 to 2009.
