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