Dubai: The fourth cycle of the “Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards” will be open for registration until March 1, to shine the light on those who have been a driving force in spreading art and culture across the city.
The award, held annually by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) aims to honour individuals, organisations, and government entities for their financial and other support towards spearheading the development of the city’s artistic scene.
Potential applicants can visit www.patronsofthearts.ae to download and submit their nominations in four categories: ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts’, ‘Patrons of the Arts’, ‘Supporters of the Arts’, and ‘Friends of the Arts’, for their support towards the four main disciplines of art — visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature.
In 2012, the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards honoured patrons for contributing Dh165 million to the city’s artistic landscape, mapping a 24 per cent growth compared with the previous year.
Forty-four per cent of those honoured in the third cycle were new patrons, with a 17.5 per cent overall increase in patrons, underscoring an increased interest among organisations and individuals in driving the arts sector; while 15 per cent of the patrons comprised government departments and organisations, a 75 per cent increase compared with the first cycle.
“With over 47 patrons honoured during the third cycle of the awards, many of whom had been nominated several times since the inception of the award in 2009, the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Awards will continue to identify and encourage new patrons to support the culture and art’s scene in Dubai,” Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said.
