Dubai Culture invites submissions from patrons and beneficiaries

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, is inviting submissions from patrons and beneficiaries of the arts for the third edition of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards.

A path-breaking initiative announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the Awards are aimed at driving the growth of the city’s cultural and artistic scene, by honouring the patrons who contribute to the various disciplines of the arts comprising performing arts, visual arts, film, and literature. The Awards honours their financial or in-kind contributions towards the arts.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said, “The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, is the first and only one of its kind initiative in the region honouring the patrons for their noble contribution to the arts and cultural sector. Through the third edition of the awards, we want to once again, shine the spotlight on these unsung heroes, whose commitment and passion for culture should be honoured.”

He added: “We are delighted to observe that the patronage extended by organisations – both from the public and private sectors - and individuals has recorded positive growth in the past two years. As patrons, these individuals and organisations have recognised the scope of talent, especially in the region, and presented them with the opportunity to showcase their creativity to a wider audience. We value their commitment to bring original, creative works to our audience. We thank all the patrons who have helped in strengthening the cultural and artistic fabric of Dubai.”

In its second cycle, the Awards honoured 40 patrons for contributing over AED 130 million in financial or in-kind contribution towards the arts. This followed the first edition where 59 organisations and individuals were recognised for their financial and in-kind support of about AED 250 million from 2007 to 2009.

In 2010, Dubai witnessed a strong participation of the government sector in driving arts with the support extended by government departments increasing to 12 percent. Visual arts dominated the total patronage at nearly 51 percent followed by films at 33 percent. Performing arts recorded an increase to 11 percent of total contributions and literature received five percent.