First-ever Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts awards by Dubai Culture to honour path-breaking arts patronage

1.Awards launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
2.Initiative to recognize and support the cultural sector of the UAE and the region
3.To catalyse development of art education initiatives, funds and infrastructure
4.Four categories of awards for art patronage to be presented during Art Dubai 2010

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is reaching out to recognize patrons of the arts around the world who have made financial contributions towards enriching the artistic fabric of Dubai, through the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts awards.

To be presented next year, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts is the first of its kind initiative in the Arab world, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in March 2009.

By recognizing the patrons behind the thriving arts scene in Dubai, Dubai Culture aims to stimulate the cultural sector of the region, catalyse the development of various art disciplines, strengthen the arts infrastructure and contribute to developing Dubai as center for content creation in the arts.

His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture said the initiative recognises the individual and organisation-backed patronage extended to culture and the arts. “Throughout the history of mankind, culture has flourished only under the generous patronage of people who appreciate and value their importance to the larger community. Their contributions have been vital in sustaining artist enthusiasm, encouraging people to pursue careers in art and in driving the growth of the sector.”

“Dubai has now become a vibrant hub for the arts in the region, thanks to the efforts of its patrons who have, until now, served as its unsung heroes. By honouring them, we are encouraging more like-minded individuals to step forward and recognise the long-term value of supporting the arts,” added His Highness Sheikh Majid. “This will help strengthen our creative infrastructure and also drive the participation of more artists through scholarships and funds. It will also drive our outreach to the youth through valuable educational initiatives in the arts.”

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 on-line at www.dubaiculture.ae shortly.

Individuals and organisations who have made financial contributions through sustained support to visual arts, performing arts, literature and poetry and films during 2007 to 2009, will be eligible for the awards.

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts awards are envisaged to engage and sustain the interest of the public to participate more actively in supporting cultural initiatives. This is aimed at building a viable financial base and an infrastructure for such initiatives to thrive in Dubai.

The Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, heritage and art, Dubai Culture is focused on building on the city’s Arabic and Islamic character and heritage while encouraging dialogue and creativity among its 200-strong cultures.  The Authority emphasises on innovative, home-grown culture, heritage and art initiatives to educate and engage the public in this fast-evolving scene.

About the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:

Muhammad the Messenger Museum: The first project of its kind in the world to focus on and highlight the life and message of Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings Be Upon Him).
Gulf Film Festival: Dubai Culture recognises that a healthy film industry is necessary to take stories about Dubai’s culture, traditions, history and contemporary lifestyle to the world.
Bastakiya Art Fair: An annual art and culture event takes place in the houses of Al Bastakiya, one of the historic areas of Dubai.
Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.
Dubai Next: To encourage and sponsor initiatives that contribute actively to the development of the cultural events and activities in Dubai. Recently, Dubai Culture showcased Dubai’s aspirations in culture to an international audience at one of the world’s most prestigious platforms, the Art Basel 39 art fair.
Khor Dubai: A living museum that celebrates the multicultural diversity of Dubai.
The Holy Lands: A collaboration with the unique and creatively rich Reiss Engelhorn Museen of Mannheim to bring an exclusive collection of never before exhibited rare photographs to the region and more specifically Dubai.