Opportunities

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

Creating in Times of War: Responses from the UAE

ANY CREATIVE MEDIUM

DEADLINE 14 May 2026

Apply for AED 5,000 to produce a new work that responds to the war through your own experiences – work to be completed during June 2026

  • A “Micro Fund” from Fiker Institute and Dirwaza Lab
  • Open call invites artists to propose “a new work that responds to the war through their own lived, observed, and mediated experiences within it … We are interested in practices that reflect on what it means to encounter, process, and make work in relation to the war from within the UAE”
  • Open to all disciplines – eg visual artists, photographers, printmakers, writers, poets, sound artists, filmmakers, video artists, choreographers, performance artists
  • Successful recipient gets …
    – AED 5,000 production grant
    – One-month membership to Fiker Institute’s Library as a working and research space
    – Two studio visits with Dirwaza Curatorial Lab
    – Curatorial support and feedback
    – Inclusion in the archive “and any public-facing outputs”
    – Support with documentation and comms
  • Successful artists notified 1 June, production to be complete by 30 June
  • Apply online with …
    – Personal info inc Emirates ID
    – Portfolio as one PDF (max 100MB)
    – Outline of proposed work (as one PDF, document or presentation: max 10MB) inc:
    > brief description and a statement of intent (max 500 words)
    > outline of how the work relates to the theme (max 200 words)
    > sketches, visuals or samples of the proposed work (max 3 images)
    – Budget showing use of AED 5,000
  • No application fee
  • UAE national or resident
  • Production support (cash and resources) for work during June 2026

Open Studio at NIKA Project Space

ART

DEADLINE 17 May 2026

Apply for one of three summer studio residencies housed in NIKA’s gallery space, with production costs covered up to AED 3,000 and an exhibition in September

  • For a second summer NIKA Project Space (Unit 11, Al Khayat Avenue) transforms from a gallery into a dynamic studio for three UAE-based artists
  • Residency dates: 8 June to 28 August
  • Selected artists get:
    – dedicated studio space in the gallery
    – up to AED 3,000 for “material and other necessary expenses” (no travel/accommodation expenses – the residency is intended for UAE-based artists)
    – a final exhibition opening September 2026 (NIKA covers exhibition costs)
  • Selected artists must be present in the gallery/studio for at least 2 days a week during the residency period
  • Works to be exhibited must have been created in the gallery
  • Apply by email to applications@nika-projects.com with …
    – Portfolio (as PDF)
    – CV and a short bio
    – A “brief” letter of interest with a project description of work planned for the residency
  • No specific theme, but “alignment with the gallery’s artistic direction will be considered a plus”
  • No stated prerequisites as to type of media or style
  • Selection by a jury comprising …
    – Rahel Aima (critic, editor, co-director of the Bayt Al Mamzar Writing Residency)
    – Ramin, Rokni, Hesam (artist collective)
    – Katherine Volk (art specialist, cultural advisor, managing editor of Canvas magazine)
  • No application fee
  • UAE-based
  • Studio space in NIKA’s gallery, with funding for materials etc
  • Exhibition opening September 2026

Open Call: Still We Create – A Living Memory Collective

ANY CREATIVE MEDIUM

DEADLINE 18 May 2026

Projects aims to preserve the memory of this moment through artistic expression, realised via an exhibition and book

  • Initiative aims to preserve the memory of this moment through artistic expression – “this project reflects on what it means to record, interpret, and carry forward a moment that is still in motion”
  • Open to artists, writers, poets, photographers, designers and creatives (including children)
  • Selected works will be exhibited and published in a book, both due late 2026
  • Apply by email to info@irisprojects.online with …
    – One submission only per participant (any medium, any language)
    – Hi-res image or scanned work
    – Personal info: name, age, nationality, city
  • Selection will be made according to “internal curatorial criteria … ensuring that each work contributes meaningfully to the collective memory of this period”
  • No application fee
  • None stated
  • Selected submissions will be exhibited and included in a book

Family in Frame Award

PHOTOGRAPHY

DEADLINE 19 May 2026

Submit one photograph that highlights shared values and everyday family life across the UAE. Three cash prizes, selected entries will be exhibited

  • Competition highlights shared values and everyday family life across the UAE, invites participants to capture meaningful family moments and share visual stories showing how families support and inspire one another across generations
  • Organised by Citizens and Community Affairs Office of the Presidential Court in collaboration with CMA’s Creative Lab
  • Submit …
    – One photograph only
    – JPEG or JPG, max 5MB and 300 DPI
    – Entries should not include logos, signatures, or timestamps
    – “Limited” editing is allowed, but not “excessive manipulation or AI-generated imagery”
  • Jury: “media and creative industry experts”
  • Criteria: creativity, relevance to the theme, overall quality. “The award will recognise the three most beautiful family photographs or images capturing meaningful family activities”
  • Subject must also demonstrate “intentional aesthetic value”, including:
    – different family members together
    – warmth and bonding among family members
  • Excluded:
    – Photos without any family members
    – Portraits that “lack clear meaning or aesthetic purpose”
  • Majalis Abu Dhabi and CMA retain right to use submitted photos across social media channels and other platforms
  • Winners announced 15 June
  • Three winners:
    – 1st AED25,000
    – 2nd AED 15,000
    – 3rd AED10,000
  • Selected photographs will be displayed during Eid Al Etihad as part of an exhibition showcasing creative work and community participation
  • No entry fee
  • Must be UAE citizens or residents
  • Three winners:
    – 1st AED25,000
    – 2nd AED 15,000
    – 3rd AED10,000
  • Selected photographs will be displayed during Eid Al Etihad as part of an exhibition showcasing creative work and community participation

Sharjah Art Foundation Short Film Production Grant

FILM

DEADLINE 28 May 2026

Apply for share of AED 120,000 to complete a short film (max 50 mins) to be premiered at Sharjah Film Platform 2026 (usually November)

  • The grant supports the completion of short films “that explore and expand the possibilities of contemporary filmmaking”
  • AED 120,000 to be allocated across selected projects – “the number of awardees and the individual grant amounts will be determined based on project needs” (in 2025 there were four, in 2024 three)
  • “Short film” is defined as max total runtime of 50 mins (including credits). No restrictions on genre
  • Apply with …
    – a recorded three-minute pitch (Vimeo or YouTube)
    – script
    – budget plan and amount requested
    – production schedule
    – links to min 3 max 5 previous works
  • Assessment on …
    – overall vision for the film, inc genre, theme, structure and plot
    – originality of script
    – applicant’s creative and technical skills
  • Winning films are normally premiered at Sharjah Film Platform (SFP), the Foundation’s annual festival of independent cinema and moving image (usually held in November)
  • No entry fee
  • None stated, though requirement to reference at least three existing works implies a degree of professional status
  • Share of AED 120,000 to be determined by “project needs”
  • Grant-awarded films are premiered at Sharjah Film Platform film festival


Open Call: Art Here 2026 / Richard Mille Art Prize

INSTALLATION

DEADLINE 31 May 2026

Submit proposals for an installation to be commissioned as part of the Art Here exhibition (Louvre Abu Dhabi, Nov 2026) and considered for the $60,000 Richard Mille Art Prize

  • Proposals should be site-specific monumental artworks for the outdoor spaces beneath Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome
  • Guest curator is Kamini Sawhney, founding director of Bangalore’s Museum of Art & Photography; CIMAM board member
  • Theme is Confluences – “explores how the contemporary world is shaped by overlapping histories, cultures and ecologies, and how encounters can emerge as sites of exchange, friction, hybridity and transformation … reflects on the idea that culture is not static or singular, but layered and constantly evolving through movement, encounter and return …”
  • Jury will select a shortlist of artworks to be commissioned and exhibited at Art Here 2026 exhibition (opens Nov 2026). One will then be selected for the 2026 Richard Mille Art Prize ($60,000, announced Dec 2026)
  • Apply online with a combined pdf (max 20 pages) containing …
    – CV
    – Passport copy
    – Portfolio of work
    – Short outline of the concept of the proposed artwork (max 500 words)
    – A sustainability methodology detailing preferred materials or production approaches (using UAE‑based fabricators is recommended)
    – Technical specifications inc images/drawings with descriptions, exhibition requirements, related tech info
    – Provisional budget for artwork production and installation (max AED 140,000, must include artist travel and accommodation for one week to instal and open the show plus attendance at the Richard Mille Art Prize ceremony in December)
  • Queries to artprize@louvreabudhabi.ae
  • No application fee
  • GCC nationals and residents; or
  • Indian nationals (included this time)
  • A small number (usually 4-6) of proposals will be commissioned for the Art Here 2026 exhibition
  • One will subsequently be selected to receive the Richard Mille Prize ($60,000)


Open Call: Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival 2027

PHOTOGRAPHY / 2D ART / 3D ART / VIDEO / SHORT FILM

DEADLINE 5 June 2026

Apply to participate in the 2027 RAK Art Festival (Jan 2027 on, Al Jazeera Al Hamra) with chance to win category prizes

  • Theme: Lost in Translation – “not only about language but also about emotions, culture, and the experience of being in a place where you do not fully belong … a framework for thinking about transformation and adaptation in our contemporary world … “
  • Curator: Sharon Toval (contemporary art curator and researcher, founder and manager of experimental art space The Lab, curator of RAK Art Biennale catalogue – Q1 2026)
  • Eligible media:
    – Photography (apply with JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF up to 2MB: hi-res not required at this stage)
    – Painting, drawing (apply with JPG, JPEG, PNG, PDF up to 2MB)
    – Sculpture, installation (apply with image, drawing or rendering, technical details inc materials, dimensions, weight, installation requirements – must be suitable for outdoor display in UAE climate conditions, safe for public interaction, shippable to site or proposed as site-specific installation)
    – Video (max 12 mins, apply with link for free viewing, inc English subtitles if necessary)
    – Short film (narrative, documentary, animation: max 25 mins, apply with preview link and film poster, inc English subtitles if necessary)
  • All applications must also include …
    – artist’s statement (max 100w) describing the work and its connection to the theme
    – personal info, CV, bio (max 200w)
  • Submit max 2 artworks in no more than 2 different mediums (so max 4 works in total)
  • Applicants must apply under one of these categories:
    – Emerging artists inc students and recent grads who are beginning to exhibit professionally
    – Established artists (min two solo exhibitions)
    – Filmmakers with at least one short previously screened publicly
    – Students aged 6–19
  • Artists must disclose whether the work was created, in whole or in part, using AI tools; if used, artist must clearly describe the extent and nature of their use. The Festival reserves the right to reject or categorise AI-assisted or AI-generated workshop
  • Timeline:
    – 5 Jun 26 open call closes
    – 30 Jul 26 selection notifications
    – 15 Aug 26 final documentation from selected artists
    – 11 Dec 26 delivery for 3D work
    – 22 Jan 27 Festival opens 22 Jan 2027
  • The Festival does not sell artwork but ”may” connect interested buyers directly with artists
  • Artists grant the Festival the usual rights – non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to photograph, publish, display, and use images of submitted works for promotional and non-commercial purposes
  • Awards:
    – Grand Jury Prize selected across all mediums: AED 12,000+ Trophy
    – Photo of the Year:
    1st Prize: AED 6,000 + Trophy
    2nd Prize: AED 4,000 + Trophy
    – Painting/Drawing of the Year:
    1st Prize: AED 6,000 + Trophy
    2nd Prize: AED 4,000 + Trophy
    – Sculpture/Installation of the Year:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Video Art of the Year:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Best Documentary Short Film:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Best Narrative Short Film:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Best Student Artwork: :
    6–12 years old AED 2,000 + Trophy:
    11–19 years old AED 2,000 + Trophy
  • Artists are responsible for all their shipping, transport, and installation costs
  • No entry fee
  • Applicants must apply under one of these categories:
    – Emerging artists inc students and recent grads who are beginning to exhibit professionally
    – Established artists (min two solo exhibitions)
    – Filmmakers with at least one short previously screened publicly
    – Students aged 6–19
  • Participation in RAK Art Festival 2027
  • Awards:
    – Grand Jury Prize selected across all mediums: AED 12,000+ Trophy
    – Photo of the Year:
    1st Prize: AED 6,000 + Trophy
    2nd Prize: AED 4,000 + Trophy
    – Painting/Drawing of the Year:
    1st Prize: AED 6,000 + Trophy
    2nd Prize: AED 4,000 + Trophy
    – Sculpture/Installation of the Year:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Video Art of the Year:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Best Documentary Short Film:
    AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Best Narrative Short Film:
     AED 6,000 + Trophy
    – Best Student Artwork:
    6–12 years old AED 2,000 + Trophy
    11–19 years old AED 2,000 + Trophy


G42 Advanced Technologies Art Award

TECH ART

DEADLINE 14 July 2026

Submit proposal for a tech-based artwork. Winners gets AED 50,000 and exhibition at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027

  • A new competitive award supporting the integration of advanced technologies into UAE-based visual arts practice: “the award encourages projects by cross-disciplinary creatives that reimagine cultural heritage, reinforce national identity and engage with global conversations across art, science and technology” (note: there’s no definition of exactly what technologies are regarded as “advanced”)
  • Organised by ADMAF in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) with funding from G42 (Abu Dhabi based AI development company)
  • Open to individuals or teams of up to three
  • Winner receives …
    – Input from MBZUAI
    – AED 50,000 to develop proposed work
    – publicly presentation at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027
  • Timeline:
    – Submissions close 14 July
    – Shortlist selection by 31 Aug
    – Workshops at MBZUAI for shortlisted participants: Sept-Nov
    – Winner announced Dec 2026
  • Selection committee criteria: 
    – Concept development: clear articulation of the idea, development process, engagement with advanced technologies
    – Originality and ownership: “innovative application of more than one advanced technology in the development of a visual artwork (2D or 3D), highlighting a balanced integration between human creativity and technological processes”
    – Artistry and storytelling: artistic vision, narrative coherence, cultural resonance, producing “work that is moving, thought-provoking and impactful”
    – Contribution and sustainability: potential to enrich the UAE cultural scene, long-term commitment to integrating advanced technologies into applicant’s artistic practice
    – Technical excellence: use of advanced technologies (unspecified), combining technical precision with artistic intent
    – Cultural and social impact: “ability to challenge perceptions, inspire new ways of thinking and foster inclusivity and accessibility while meaningfully engaging audiences through technology-enhanced storytelling”
  • Apply online with …
    – portfolio (JPEG, PDF, TIFF, MP4) “clearly demonstrating the application of a minimum of two advanced technologies”
    – detailed description of the work inc technical specs and the role of AI in the creative process (sole mention of AI, but obvs all current advanced tech implies use of AI)
    – artist’s statement
  • Participants retain full ownership of submitted works but grant ADMAF a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, reproduce, distribute and use the submissions for promotional, educational and archival purposes (this is usual)
  • By participating, all applicants consent to appear in related photography and filming and to participate in media activities “reasonably requested” by organisers (also usual)
  • Queries to Info@admaf.org
  • No entry fee
  • Emirati nationals and UAE residents
  • Aged between 18 and 35 years
  • Shortlisted participants take part in MBZUAI workshops
  • One winner receives AED 50,000
  • Winner (and possibly shortlisted participants) exhibited at Abu Dhabi Festival 2027


Rove Hotels Emerging Artist Prize

ART

DEADLINE 30 September 2026

Apply to be part of the shortlist exhibit at World Art Dubai 2026; one Grand Winner gets a booth at WAD 2027, one People’s Prize winner gets AED 5,000

  • Collaboration between Rove Hotels and World Art Dubai, “attracting thousands of entries every year”
  • Submit works on the theme Threads of Connection (“encourages artists to explore human connection in the digital age, how relationships, communication, and empathy evolve as technology intertwines with daily life”)
  • Submissions:
    – Accepted media: images, illustrations, animations, 2D and 3D digital art
    – Min resolution: 1000×1000px
    – Accepted formats: JPEG, GIF, PNG, MP4
    – No indication of how many works can be submitted (we’d guess one per entry)
  • Shortlist announced by 13 April 2026, contains up to 10 works (we assume only one work per submission and per artist)
  • Shortlisted artworks will be displayed at the Rove Hotels’ Emerging Artist Prize stand at World Art Dubai (19-22 Nov)
  • Two winners will be selected from shortlist:
    – Grand Winner, selected by jury (prize: exhibition space at World Art Dubai 2027)
    – People’s Choice Winner, chosen by the public (presumably at WAD – prize: AED 5,000)
  • Selection jury comprises …
    – Petra Kaltenbach, World Art Dubai Art Advisor
    – Samar Kamel, World Art Dubai Curator
    – unspecified members of Rove Hotels Design Team
  • No entry fee
  • None stated (though there is no definition for what constitutes an “emerging” artist)
  • Participation in shortlist exhibition at World Art Dubai 2026 (total of 10 artworks on show)
  • Grand Prize:
    – one work selected by jury from shortlist
    – complimentary space to exhibit at World Art Dubai 2027
    – one-night stay at Rove Hotels
  • People’s Choice Award:
    – one work selected by public vote (no indication how this works)
    – AED 5,000 cash
    – one-night stay at Rove Hotels


BASE39 Creative Accelerator

DESIGN

DEADLINE unspecified

Apply to participate in a furniture design and product development programme at Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). 20 places available, cash prizes for top three graduates

  • Programme is designed to support local creative talents in developing furniture design concepts into “refined, commercially viable products” and “nurturing scalable creative ventures that translate identity, craft, and material exploration into market-ready products
  • Hosted at SPARK’s Base 39 creative hub (“brings together designers, architects, artists and creative entrepreneurs within a collaborative ecosystem”)
  • Programme is …
    – Rooted in regional heritage
    – Driven by contemporary design approaches to furniture
    – Focused on translating furniture concepts into market-ready products
  • Applicants must …
    – Be a UAE National or UAE Resident
    – Be currently based in the UAE
    – Submit an original and unpublished design
  • Designs submitted should be …
    – culturally inspired
    – rooted in Arab heritage
    – ”interpreted through a contemporary cross-cultural lens … The goal is to reimagine the bridge of tradition and contemporary design with relevance and creativity”
  • Submissions are in Categories. Select one from …
    – Seating
    – Tables
    – Storage
    – Lighting
  • Apply with …
    – Concept Statement (max 300 words: explains design inspiration, cultural narrative, intended functionality)
    – One furniture project presented in one PDF file (A3 format, max 7MB) that includes
    > Technical drawings / sketches (inc top, front, and side views with dimensions: hand sketches and digital drawings both acceptable)
    > 3D renderings (inc perspective views, detail views, in-context visuals)
    > Material and Production Specifications (list of materials, finishes, proposed manufacturing techniques)
  • 20 designers or studios will be selected. Programme participants receive …
    – Mentorship from designers, industry experts, creative leaders
    – Support in product development and prototyping
    – Guidance on pricing, branding, positioning, storytelling
    – Access to makerspaces and fabrication resources (at SPARK)
    – Exposure to buyers, collectors, potential investors
  • Programme concludes with a Final Showcase Day, where participants present their work to a jury of industry professionals and potential collaborators. Cash prizes for top three:
    > 1st Place: AED 60,000
    > 2nd Place: AED 20,000
    > 3rd Place: AED 10,000
  • Programme’s length, details of sessions, attendance requirements and deadline are unspecified. Also unsure where queries can be directed – try a LinkedIn or Instagram message
  • No application fee
  • UAE National or UAE Resident
  • Currently based in the UAE
  • Participation in design and professional development programme
  • Prizes for top three graduates:
    – 1st: AED 60,000
    – 2nd: AED 20,000
    – 3rd: AED 10,000