Opportunities

A page of more or less local competitions, open calls, residencies and other opportunities open to the Gulf’s creative community

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Call for proposals: Art Here 2023 / Richard Mille Art Prize

INSTALLATION

DEADLINE 31 May 2023
Submit proposals for sculpture or audio-visual installation for exhibition at Art Here 2023 (opens November) and consideration for Richard Mille Art Prize

  • Curated this year by Maya El Khalil
  • Theme is ‘Transparencies’ – propose new sculptures and installations that “explore the dynamics of transparency, its material and perceptual significance”. The exhibition space is under the museum’s dome, so “as a starting point” proposed work should draw on “the interplay of shadows, liquid reflections, and flashes of permeating sunlight”
  • Total available exhibition area is 1780m2 (1200v paved, 580m2 on water)
  • Submitted work can be a sculpture, projection, or an installation. No size restrictions. Must be able to withstand the outdoor environment
  • Submission can be an existing artwork or one yet to be produced
  • Only one submission per artist (though work can be part of a series and multiple works can be presented if that is “necessary and justified”)
  • Apply online with a single PDF (max 20 pages, either in Arabic or in English) containing:
    – CV
    – ID or passport copy
    – Portfolio
    – Short explainer for the concept of the proposed work (500w max)
    – Technical specs (inc type of hanging system, material needed, height of walls for oversize works, podium, lighting, any instruction manual for assembly, technical drawings, etc)
    – Provisional budget for production and installation of the work (max AED 50,000 – could include allowance for artist’s studio time plus expenses and fees for research, granting of intellectual property rights and travel for the exhibition installation and opening. No need to include installation materials and shipping – they will be provided by Louvre Abu Dhabi)
  • Exhibited works will be loans from the artists or their galleries – “the artworks will not be acquired by the museum at the end of the exhibition”
  • Announcement of artists (no indication how many will be selected but last year it was ten) is on 5 July. Exhibition opens 21 November; Richard Mille Prize winner announced later (probably March 2023)
  • No fees required
  • Queries to artprize@louvreabudhabi.ae
  • GCC nationals and residents only

  • Work exhibited at Louvre Abu Dhabi (November 2023 to March 2024)
  • One winner selected to receive Richard Mille Art Prize (value probably c $50,000)

Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival: call for submissions – Art & Photography

2D ART

DEADLINE 31 May 2023
Submit up to three artworks to be considered for inclusion in the next RAKFAF exhibition (February 2024)

  • Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) is a nonprofit community arts festival designed to showcase the work of local and emerging artists, photographers, and filmmakers and engage the community through cultural and creative programming
  • The 12th edition (February 2024) has the theme ‘In Motion’ – “an opportunity to question what should be the new “normal” and an invitation to embrace the beauty, diversity, and constant evolution of the world around us”. (The festival will also have a new name (TBA) so the theme in part represents a new beginning and a chance to reimagine what’s possible for RAKFAF)
  • This category includes paintings, photographs, graphics, and other 2D mixed media
  • Submit …
    – up to three digital art files (must all be part of the same series – “multiple unrelated digital art files will not be considered”)
    – as PDF, JPEG, or TIFF
    – no max size or resolution, but if resolution is under 300 ppi the artwork will be enhanced which may result in alterations or changes
    – must be CYMK
    – no watermarks
    – no cellphone camera images
  • Selected works will be digitally printed for outdoor exhibition from high-resolution photos provided by the artist – the physical submissions will not be displayed, and artists who cannot provide large enough files may lose their place (there may be help for RAK artists who don’t have the resources to take suitable images). Note that reproduction may possibly mean some loss of fidelity, though this is unlikely
  • No fees required
  • Queries to submissions@rakfinearts.ae
  • None specified

  • Work exhibited at RAKFAF 12 (February 2024)

Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival: call for submissions – Sculpture

3D ART

DEADLINE 31 May 2023
Submit proposal for 3D work to be considered for inclusion in the next RAKFAF exhibition (February 2024)

  • Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) is a nonprofit community arts festival designed to showcase the work of local and emerging artists, photographers, and filmmakers and engage the community through cultural and creative programming
  • The 12th edition (February 2024) has the theme ‘In Motion’ – “an opportunity to question what should be the new “normal” and an invitation to embrace the beauty, diversity, and constant evolution of the world around us”. (The festival will also have a new name (TBA) so the theme in part represents a new beginning and a chance to reimagine what’s possible for RAKFAF)
  • Two subcategories:
    1. Sculpture from any new materials
    2. Recycled Art, made from at least 75% recycled materials
  • All entries …
    – should be able to stand on their own unsupported
    – must be accompanied by a full list of materials used and details on where they were sourced
    – must be robust enough to be exhibited outdoors with open exposure to the elements without risk of damage to the piece
    – should be submitted with enough photos to tell the story for the given item. Any pedestal or other special display structure should be shown
  • Selected artists will be responsible for transporting both the sculpture any display structure to and from the exhibition site
  • No fees required
  • Queries to submissions@rakfinearts.ae
  • None specified

  • Work exhibited at RAKFAF 12 (February 2024)

Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival: call for submissions – Film

FILM

DEADLINE 31 May 2023
Submit short film to be considered for screening at the next RAKFAF (February 2024)

  • Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) is a nonprofit community arts festival designed to showcase the work of local and emerging artists, photographers, and filmmakers and engage the community through cultural and creative programming
  • The 12th edition (February 2024) has the theme ‘In Motion’ – “an opportunity to question what should be the new “normal” and an invitation to embrace the beauty, diversity, and constant evolution of the world around us”. (The festival will also have a new name (TBA) so the theme in part represents a new beginning and a chance to reimagine what’s possible for RAKFAF)
  • Only complete entries will be considered – to include film poster, film synopsis, director’s bio, and director’s statement
  • Three categories:
    1. Narrative
    2. Documentary
    3. Animation
  • Requirements:
    – submitted films must have been completed after February 2021
    – must fit the festival theme In Motion
    – must be no longer than 30 mins inc credits
    – must be submitted as hi-res MOV file for screening
    – can in any language, but English films must have Arabic subtitles and vice versa (films in other languages must have both English and Arabic subtitles)
  • Submissions are accepted only at www.filmfreeway.com/rakfaf and directors must ensure that their FilmFreeway screener works
  • No fees required
  • Queries to submissions@rakfinearts.ae
  • None specified

  • Films screened at RAKFAF 12 (February 2024)

Use of NYUAD Project Space

EXHIBITION SPACE

DEADLINE 31 May 2023
Apply to hold an exhibition (with technical and PR support) in NYUAD’s Project Space

  • The Project Space is a non-profit exhibition space within the The Arts Center at NYUAD that is dedicated to Abu Dhabi community projects and supported by the museum-trained staff of The NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery
  • In principle any application may be considered, but priority is given to exhibitions from within the academic and regional community, including the work of regional emerging artists
  • Exhibitions in the Project Space are considered by application to a review committee with two submission deadlines each year
  • No maximum time specified for exhibitions, but 2-4 weeks is normal
  • No fees required from exhibitor
  • NYUAD Project Space will provide …
    – Oversight by technical and curatorial staff to realise a professional exhibition, inc guidance on installation
    – Tools and general materials for installation/deinstallation of artwork
    – Lighting using existing facilities
    – All expenses related to operating the space
    – Basic printing inc simple wall text and exhibition labels
    – PR/marketing support inc press release, press invites, e-blast
    – Opening reception inc simple catering
    – Provision of intern for social media (or rather, “to the best of its ability, The NYUAD Art Gallery will attempt to secure a Social Media intern to dedicate to the marketing of the exhibition”)
    – Security for the duration of the exhibition (but all insurance for artworks before, after and during the exhibition is the responsibility of the artists or the exhibitor)
  • Queries to exhibition-projects@nyu.edu
  • None specified

  • Professionally created and managed exhibition

Open Call: Vantage Point Sharjah 11

PHOTOGRAPHY

DEADLINE 10 June 2023
Apply to be one of five artists selected for Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual photography exhibition and onward mentoring

  • New format this year for Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual photography exhibition: five photographers only will be selected to exhibit their work and receive onward mentoring
  • Applicants …
    – should use photography as a central medium in their practice
    – should have at least three bodies/series of existing photographic work
    – should not have had institutional solo exhibitions before the date of the application
    – should be born in, based in, or be part of the diaspora of Africa and Asia
  • Apply with
    – CV
    – biography
    – portfolio (PDF, max 30MB). Can include work images, installation photos, videos, statements, reviews
  • Exhibition:
    – Runs 18 October 2023 to 10 March 2024
    – At Old Al Diwan Al Amiri in Al Hamriyah (a former ruler’s court now repurposed into an exhibition and meeting space with a darkroom, café and shop)
    – Selected artists will be encouraged to present their work in creative formats, using production funds provided by SAF (“a small amount”)
    – Artists will receive “a standard artist fee” (unspecified)
    – All work for the exhibition will be produced in Sharjah with the professional and financial support of SAF
    – Printed exhibition catalogue will feature the artists and their works
    – Exhibited works (no maximum number) will be selected mainly from the artist’s portfolio in discussion with Foundation staff, but can include new works or new elements in the exhibition
    – Artists will be invited to the exhibition (no info on travel/accommodation) and offered opportunities to participate in public programmes and digital projects produced by the Foundation
  • Mentoring:
    – Selected artists will be paired with a professional in their field, who will conduct a minimum of three one-on-one mentoring sessions with them
    – Mentor can be any type of art professional – artist, critic, curator, researcher
    – Mentor can be either suggested by the artist or recommended by SAF
  • No fees required from applicants
  • Queries to photo@sharjahart.org
  • Must be born in, based in, or be part of the diaspora of Africa and Asia
  • Over 18

  • Participate in VPS 11 exhibition as one of five selected artists
  • Receive professional mentoring

Open Call : Corniche 5

COMIC BOOK ART

DEADLINE 30 June 2023
Apply to have work included in the fifth edition of Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual comic anthology

  • Submit pitches for a six-page comic to be considered for publication in the fifth edition of Corniche – an annual comic anthology compiling work from illustrators and artists from the GCC. Genres can include biography, science fiction, fantasy, mythology and art history
  • Corniche 5 will be launched at this year’s Focal Point, Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair (November 2023)
  • Apply with …
    – contact details
    – passport or Emirates ID copy
    – bio (max 250w)
    – story pitch (max 500w)
    – one PDF (max 6 pages, max 10MB) containing
    > artist’s portfolio
    > story synopsis (you are not expected to have the whole thing finalised at time of application)
    > rough storyboard
    > rough sketch of one page (any medium – traditional, digital or multimedia)
  • Shortlisted artists will be notified by 10 July and then have up to 15 August invited to submit final work
  • Final work …
    – must comprise exactly six pages (three spreads)
    – with as many panels on each page as you want
    – in any medium – traditional, digital or multimedia
    – no size limitations but printed format will be a 20×20 cm coloured paperback
    – resolution of 300dpi is recommended
    – story can be either English or Arabic (no-text ‘silent’ comics are also encouraged)
  • Selected artists will be invited for a three-day “creative exchange” in Sharjah before final work is produced
  • Artists retain full copyright to their work but grant Sharjah Art Foundation primary publishing rights for Corniche
  • No fees required from applicants
  • Queries to community@sharjahart.org with ‘Corniche 5 Open Call’ in the subject line
  • Over 18
  • Based in GCC

  • Have work published in Corniche 5 anthology and distributed via Sharjah Art Foundation channels

Open Call: Publishing Grant 2023

PUBLICATION

DEADLINE 30 July 2023
Apply for a share of $30,000 for production of an experimental and innovative publication

  • Submit a proposal that takes “an experimental and innovative approach to publishing … We seek projects that contribute to the production of original ideas and critical thinking”
  • Multiple recipients share $30,000; no single grant will exceed $15,000 (applicants specify their budget as part of the application process)
  • Winners to be announced at Focal Point, Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair (Nov 2023)
  • Criteria: winning proposals will stand out for their intellectual, graphic and material qualities, but also …
    – Feasibility: realistic goals and timeline. Grant recipients should plan sufficient time to plan, implement, publish and ship their printed projects to Sharjah on or before 1 November (in time for launch at Focal Point 2024)
    – Content: research-based and/or experimental approach to a variety of art-related topics
    – Impact: projects that are non-commercial and independent or that serve as catalysts for expanding research on an understudied topic or that promote diversity of thought, authorship and radical forms of public engagement
    – Capacity: applicants should be able to demonstrate existing knowledge and ability to carry out the project successfully through access to resources beyond the grant
    – Originality: only projects that have never been published qualify
    – Language: final project must be presented in Arabic and/or English, in addition to any other language
  • Applicants could be individuals or collectives – art and culture scholars, translators, writers, editors, independent publishers and publishing houses, non-profit institutions, etc
  • Qualifying formats could be artist zines, comics, graphic novels, publication reprints, critical texts, artist writings, narrative
  • Ineligible projects are:
    – Fiction, drama, poetry, biography
    – Proposals for exhibition catalogues or monographs associated with another institution or commercial space
    – Any project where funding is intended to cover infrastructure and equipment costs or costs of operating cultural facilities, archives and collections
  • Grant money can be used for …
    – research
    – writing
    – editing
    – translation
    – image reproduction and licensing
    – design
    – printing
    – shipping to Sharjah
  • Copyright remains with the applicant but successful grantees assign to the Foundation worldwide rights to the reproduction, distribution, public communication and adaptation of the project. The grantee will provide a proportion of the total print run (20-40%) to be placed in libraries and institutions and for royalty-free sale by the Foundation (at a price set by the grantee)
  • The Foundation will promote the works through its own marketing and distribution network // Apply with … – contact details – passport or Emirates ID copy – bio (max 250w) – Project description(max 500w) – Optionally, one PDF (max 5 pages, max 10MB) containing images, presentation, other supporting materials – Outline of finances and timeline
  • No fees required from applicants
  • Queries to publications@sharjahart.org with ‘Publishing Grant 2023’ in the subject line
  • None specified

  • Winners get …
    – grant to produce their project (max $15,000)
    – round-trip air ticket and hotel accommodation in Sharjah to launch their completed project at Focal Point and participate in the talks programme

Open Call: Publishing Grant 2023

PUBLICATION

DEADLINE 30 July 2023
Apply for a share of $30,000 for production of an experimental and innovative publication

  • Submit a proposal that takes “an experimental and innovative approach to publishing … We seek projects that contribute to the production of original ideas and critical thinking”
  • Multiple recipients share $30,000; no single grant will exceed $15,000 (applicants specify their budget as part of the application process)
  • Winners to be announced at Focal Point, Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair (Nov 2023)
  • Criteria: winning proposals will stand out for their intellectual, graphic and material qualities, but also …
    – Feasibility: realistic goals and timeline. Grant recipients should plan sufficient time to plan, implement, publish and ship their printed projects to Sharjah on or before 1 November (in time for launch at Focal Point 2024)
    – Content: research-based and/or experimental approach to a variety of art-related topics
    – Impact: projects that are non-commercial and independent or that serve as catalysts for expanding research on an understudied topic or that promote diversity of thought, authorship and radical forms of public engagement
    – Capacity: applicants should be able to demonstrate existing knowledge and ability to carry out the project successfully through access to resources beyond the grant
    – Originality: only projects that have never been published qualify
    – Language: final project must be presented in Arabic and/or English, in addition to any other language
  • Applicants could be individuals or collectives – art and culture scholars, translators, writers, editors, independent publishers and publishing houses, non-profit institutions, etc
  • Qualifying formats could be artist zines, comics, graphic novels, publication reprints, critical texts, artist writings, narrative
  • Ineligible projects are:
    – Fiction, drama, poetry, biography
    – Proposals for exhibition catalogues or monographs associated with another institution or commercial space
    – Any project where funding is intended to cover infrastructure and equipment costs or costs of operating cultural facilities, archives and collections
  • Grant money can be used for …
    – research
    – writing
    – editing
    – translation
    – image reproduction and licensing
    – design
    – printing
    – shipping to Sharjah
  • Copyright remains with the applicant but successful grantees assign to the Foundation worldwide rights to the reproduction, distribution, public communication and adaptation of the project. The grantee will provide a proportion of the total print run (20-40%) to be placed in libraries and institutions and for royalty-free sale by the Foundation (at a price set by the grantee)
  • The Foundation will promote the works through its own marketing and distribution network // Apply with … – contact details – passport or Emirates ID copy – bio (max 250w) – Project description(max 500w) – Optionally, one PDF (max 5 pages, max 10MB) containing images, presentation, other supporting materials – Outline of finances and timeline
  • No fees required from applicants
  • Queries to publications@sharjahart.org with ‘Publishing Grant 2023’ in the subject line
  • None specified

  • Winners get …
    – grant to produce their project (max $15,000)
    – round-trip air ticket and hotel accommodation in Sharjah to launch their completed project at Focal Point and participate in the talks programme