OPPORTUNITIES
A page of local competitions, open calls, residencies and other opportunities open to the Gulf’s creative community
Open Call: Dimensions Exhibition 🔗
ART
DEADLINE 16 November 2026
Submit up to 5 works to an upcoming Kutubna Cultural Center exhibition – all submissions must match the specific dimensions provided
- Upcoming group exhibition titled Dimensions is based on the principle that all works submitted must match specific dimensions provided:
– 1: Framed or stretched artworks (ready for wall display, inc frame where applicable):
… w30 × h40 cm
… w40 × h40 cm
… w40 × h50 cm
… w50 × h40 cm
… w60 × h40 cm
… w60 × h80 cm
… w60 × h90 cm
… w70 × h50 cm
… w70 × h100 cm
… w80 × h60 cm
… w80 × h100 cm
… w80 × h120 cm
… w90 × h60 cm
… w90 × h120 cm
… w100 × h80 cm
… w100 × h90 cm
… w100 × h100 cm
… w120 × h80 cm
… w150 × h100 cm
– 2: Works on A4 Fine Art Paper (framing by Kutubna: dimensions refer to paper size)
… w21 × h30 cm (portrait A4)
… w30 × h21 cm (landscape A4) - No restriction on medium (inc painting, collage, digital art, embroidery, textile art, fibre art)
- No restriction on subject
- Up to 5 submissions per artist
- All works must be original and created by the submitting artist
- Exhibition dates: 12 December – 31 January
- Delivery and collection of artworks are responsibility of the artist
- Apply via online form here or by email to info@kutubna.ae with …
– Personal details
– Details for each of up to 5 works inc title, year created, artist statement (max 200w), description (max 200w), image (JPEG or PNG) - No application fee
- None stated
- Participation in exhibition
ADSW Global Digital Art Competition 🔗
DIGITAL ART
DEADLINE 16 November 2026
Submit digital artwork to competition – one main winner (trophy, exposure) plus two finalists announced during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (10-14 Jan)
- Fourth edition of the ADSW Global Digital Art Competition associated with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (10-14 January) and organised by District1795 and Masdar/ADSW
- Respond to the ADSW 2027 theme “Securing Systems. Sustaining Growth.” with original works created with digital tools. “Submissions should explore the systems and connections that enable long-term progress”
- Only artworks that have been drawn digitally or created using photo editing will be accepted
- Selection criteria:
– Concept and resonance: “a compelling artistic response to the ADSW 2027 theme” – work should explore how progress can be sustained through disruption, examining the systems and connections that support societies, economies and long-term growth
– Artistic vision and originality: strong composition, storytelling, and execution
– Impact and resonance: work should engage audiences, spark reflection, offer fresh perspectives on resilience, interconnectedness, and human potential
– Representation and accessibility: reflect diverse perspectives, avoid stereotypes, consider accessibility - Apply via website with …
– Artist statement: artistic concept, connection to theme, role of technology or medium in the work (150–250w)
– Images of static works: min 3000px on the longest side, hi res, PNG or JPG, sRGB colour profile
– Moving image / animation: max 60 secs, min 1080p (4K accepted), MP4 (H.264); landscape, square, or portrait formats; captions where necessary
– Interactive, generative, immersive, web-based works: provide URL or accessible demo plus screen recording or documentation video (30–60 secs); include any technical or display requirements
– AI and creative technologies: identify tools used, describe their contribution
– Credits and rights: credit all collaborators, software, datasets, and third-party materials (entrants must hold the necessary rights and permissions) - Selection panel:
– Dyala Nusseibeh Director, Frieze Abu Dhabi
– Kawthar Bin Sulayem Founder and CEO of District1795
– Hamad Al Shamsi artist
– Anna Magritskaya MD Theater of Digital Art
– Khwala Abu Saleh Creative Director, artist
– Diaa Allam calligraphy artist - Submissions will be shown on Masdar/ADSW social media channels and websites, and live on digital screens at COP28 and ADSW
- All participants get a complimentary one-year membership to co-organiser District1795
- Winner and two finalists will be “recognised” during ADSW Summit on 13 Jan in Abu Dhabi (airfare and accommodation provided for non-UAE finalists). Winner will receive a trophy
- All finalists will be featured on the District1795 platform, and the winner will deliver a practice class that will stay on the District1795 platform for members to view
- Entrants retain any IP rights but grants usage rights to organisers for publicity etc “as it considers appropriate”
- No application fee
- Over 18
- All qualifying entrants get …
– exposure on Masdar/ADSW and District1795 social media channels and websites
– live presentation on digital screens at COP28 and ADSW
– complimentary one-year membership to District1795 - Three finalists get …
– additional exposure
– “recognition” at ADSW - Winner additionally gets …
– trophy
– presentation of a practice class on the District1795 platform for members to view
The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2027 🔗
INSTALLATION / 3D ART
DEADLINE 1 February 2027
Propose an artwork that, in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work, can be publicly exhibited in the open air (in Abu Dhabi, Nov/Dec 2027). Winner gets $10,000 to produce the work
- Annual award presented by NYUAD and ADMAF in partnership with NYUAD Art Gallery
- Aim: to nurture artistic talent in the UAE at the beginning of their careers with a commission and professional support
- Award is given for the proposal and creation of an artwork that, “in the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s work, can be publicly exhibited and enjoyed”. Check out Christo and Jeanne-Claude here
Propose an artwork that can be exhibited outside – at Abu Dhabi Art, NYUAD, Umm El Emarat Park (other locations may be added) – in Nov/Dec 2027 - Can be any media “that allows the piece to be enjoyed in an exterior space” inc photography, film, land art, sculpture, multimedia
- Applicants must apply with the support and nomination of a mentor who commits to guide and support through the production and installation of the work (“a substantial time commitment”)
– Can be a practicing artist, a current or past professor, a client, a gallerist – “anyone who you would like to work with”
– Mentor’s supporting statement and any presentations should flag up any potential challenges as well as merits
– Mentor will be expected to be present for key phases in the Award process - Five artists shortlisted to present in person to the selection
committee. Criteria:
– Artistic merit
– Evidence of original and creative thinking
– Feasibility of producing and exhibiting the work on time and within budget - Apply online with contact and background info plus …
– Artistic Proposal (details of the work, can have max five JPG and/or PDF attachments
– Production Schedule (form supplied)
– Production Budget (form supplied)
– Mentor statement (confirming commitment for at least 6 months) - Winning artist gets $10,000 to produce the work plus support from NYUAD Art Gallery team (curators, museum registrar, preparator, PR)
- No entry fee
- Queries to christo.award@nyu.edu
- Either
– a full time degree student enrolled in a university or college in the UAE - Or
– a resident of the UAE who has graduated from university or college within the last seven years
- Commission, support, and $10,000 production fund to create and display a public artwork