call for artists: the art fund dubai awards
📖 Introduction
To mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the United Arab Emirates, the AFD Art Awards — The Art Fund Dubai Awards has been officially launched.
Jointly initiated by the Dubai Department of Culture and the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, with strategic co-sponsorship from ADQ and BMW Group, the award champions innovative practices by Chinese contemporary artists through a cross-cultural platform rooted in government, international curation, and commerce.
🤝 Sponsorship & Partnerships
1. Main Organizers
- Art Fund Dubai
- Dubai Culture
- Chinese Embassy in the UAE
2. Co-Sponsors & Institutional Partners
- Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ)
- Dubai Royal Cultural Affairs Office
- Belt and Road Cultural Development Fund
- China International Cultural Exchange Foundation
- BMW Group (Special Sponsor)
- UNESCO
- UNICEF
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🧮 Judging Panel
1. Oversight & Structure
The jury is overseen by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and composed of 11 international cultural leaders, ensuring diversity, credibility, and excellence.
2. Key Jury Members
- Director, Dubai Culture
- Council Member, Artist Association Hong Kong
- President & Director, Sharjah Art Foundation
- Curator, Venice Biennale
- Director, Kunsthalle Basel
- Arts Advisor, Louvre Abu Dhabi
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🏆 Award Categories
1. Artist Awards
- Future Pioneer Award (Emerging Artists)
- For rising talents reshaping contemporary art through bold experimentation.
- China–Arab Star Award (Established Artists)
- For mid-career artists demonstrating artistic excellence and global engagement.
- Hall of Glory Award (Iconic Artists)
- For legendary figures whose careers have left a lasting mark on global art history.
2. Cross-Industry Recognition
- Curators – Visionaries driving curatorial innovation and audience experience.
- Galleries & Institutions – Spaces promoting inclusivity and forward-thinking exhibitions.
- Patrons – Collectors and funders empowering artistic progress.
- Cross-Disciplinary Creators – Artists working across fashion, film, architecture, and more.
- Media & Storytellers – Voices shaping discourse through criticism, publishing, or digital media.
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✍️ Nomination & Selection Process
1. Phase One – Application Submission
Apply via: www.artfunddubai.com
Or email: awards@artfunddubai.com / amnashamsi@artfunddubai.com
2. Phase Two – Jury Review
Evaluated based on:
- Artistic Vision & Positioning
- Audience Engagement
- Technical Skill & Execution
- Impact & Visibility
- 100 awardees will be selected on a rolling basis.
- Winners will be announced in July 2025.
- A special exhibition and awards ceremony will follow at the Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai.
3. Phase Three – Final Awards
- Finalists will undergo public and jury voting.
- 12 Gold Award winners will be announced in December 2025.
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💡 Submission Instructions
1. Accepted Artwork Categories
- Painting
- Installation
- Video
- Photography
- Multimedia
- Graphic Design
2. Required Application Materials
- Personal Documents: CV, Artist Statement or Biography
- Portfolio Details: Title, concept, year, dimensions, materials, high-resolution images or video links, and valuation (if available)
- Personal Info: Recent photo, contact information, and (if available) links to personal website or social media