Opportunities

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

Sharjah Art Foundation Short Film Production Grant

FILM

DEADLINE 28 May 2026

Apply for a 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)

NYUAD Project Space Exhibition Proposals

ART / CURATORIAL

DEADLINE 31 May 2026

Submit proposal for an exhibition in the NYUAD Art Gallery Project Space for a 3-5 week slot in the academic year August 2026–June 2027

  • The Project Space is for “ideas that don’t fit anywhere else, work that transforms research into experience, and brings forward what has yet to be curated” – proposals welcomed from artists, researchers, and “practitioners whose vision calls for a space to become something more … The Project Space was created with the intention of supporting projects that cannot be realised anywhere else”
  • Exhibitions typically run for 3-5 weeks depending on the schedule
  • No need to be affiliated with NYUAD
  • No need to apply with a curator if proposal is a developed exhibition idea – but a curatorial production partner is “strongly recommended”
  • NYUAD Art Gallery gives an in-kind “grant” of full-team support and guidance to realise a professional exhibition, including support in …
    ○ Exhibition layout
    ○ Curatorial consultation
    ○ Text editing and translation
    ○ Vinyl and wall label production
    ○ Technical production consultation
    ○ Collaboration on install of the work
    ○ Lighting
    ○ Marketing and publicity
  • So these costs are covered:
    – Professional art handling team and curatorial consultation/oversight
    – Editorial for English and Arabic texts (inc translation)
    – Design, production, installation of wall texts and labels
    – PR and marketing (press, social media, flyers on
    campus, newsletter)
    – Opening reception inc catering (coffee, tea, cookies)
    – Basic printing of print-ready materials
    – All expenses related to operating the space inc security (but not insurance for works displayed)
  • On a case-by-case basis the Project Space may offer “small, one-time grants” to help offset specific exhibition-related expenses (eg shipping, fabrication) “subject to availability of funds and prior written agreement”. If you wish to apply for a grant, include a request in the application
  • Exhibitor is responsible for …
    – production of artworks
    – all shipping costs, delivery, installation (with Project Space help)
    – display fittings (eg 2-point hanging hardware for wall-mounted pieces, wall or deck mounts for 3D work: The Art Gallery can provide display items such as pedestals and plinths)
    – deinstallation and removal (inc making good, eg patching and painting walls) with 2 days of the scheduled end of the exhibition
  • Project Space is non-commercial space: no sales of work may be associated with the exhibition
  • Apply via online forms with …
    – Confirmed exhibition title
    – Exhibition description/curator statement (300w)
    – Bios for curator / artist(s)
    – Exhibition images – max 6 (1080x720px min; 300dpi preferred, 72dpi acceptable). One will be used as a hero image at the top of the exhibition page
  • Queries to nyuad.exhibition.projects@nyu.edu
  • No application fee
  • UAE-based
  • Professionally supported exhibition

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

Open Call: Curatorial Proposals

CURATORIAL

DEADLINE 7 June 2026

Apply for one of two curatorial opportunities for four-week exhibition slots at Kutubna Cultural Center (Sep and Dec 2026)

  • Kutubna Cultural Center will offer two curated exhibitions in 2026: 5 Sept – 5 Oct and 5 Dec – 4 Jan
  • Curators, researchers, creative practitioners, and others are invited to submit exhibition proposals. Two projects will be selected
  • Proposals should …
    – contribute “meaningfully” to Kutubna’s mission
    – relate to the culture or history of the UAE or the wider Gulf region, or should present research, ideas, or other forms of knowledge produced in the region
    – “offer a fresh, unique, and thoughtful perspective on Gulf traditions, art, heritage, customs, history, or knowledge produced in this region”
    – exhibitions that “make visible what already exists but has not yet been presented” will be favoured (eg photographic archives, historical collections, or ongoing artistic practices connected to UAE life, culture, memory, or knowledge production)
  • Proposals should include only existing and mountable works
  • Selected curators will be responsible for planning and managing the exhibition, including …
    – Developing the exhibition concept
    – Selecting artists and artworks
    – Planning exhibition layout
    – Coordinating installation and deinstallation
    – Managing the exhibition schedule
    – Writing all required texts inc press release
    – Preparing and sending out invitations and coordinating the opening night
    – Overseeing the exhibition during its duration
  • The open call does not include funding for printing, framing, commissioning of artworks, transportation costs, other fees or salaries
  • Full details for application are here, but apply with …
    – Curator bio (max one page) and contact info
    – Curatorial proposal inc narrative explaining the principle of the exhibition
    – Photographs of sample works with descriptions
    – List of artists, photographers, contributors (must include Emiratis)
    – Portfolio of past curatorial projects or other work that demonstrates the ability of the curator
    – Budget for any exhibition costs inc sponsors who will cover them // Selection announcement: 22 June
  • No entry fee
  • Queries to info@kutubna.ae
  • None specified, but past experience seems mandatory
  • Curate one of two month-long exhibitions at Kutubna Cultural Center

RTA Tunnels Open Call

ART

DEADLINE 15 June 2026

Submit proposals for artwork to go on to walls of RTA’s pedestrian and (mostly) vehicle tunnels in Dubai

  • Dubai Culture programme with RTA to add art to road and pedestrian tunnels in Dubai
  • Eight tunnels already completed, involving 18 artists. Next phase is 15 more tunnels (eventually 40)
  • Proposals should …
    – reflect Dubai’s identity
    – be original (and never before exhibited)
    – be simple compositions “suited to tunnel environments” ­
    – be non-distracting for drivers
    – be able to resist wear, weather, high temperatures
  • Apply online with …
    – personal details
    – CV
    – Portfolio (max 5MB)
    – Proposal details (as one file, max 5MB, to include …
    > Concept summary
    > “Sample board” (for materials, presumably)
    > Colour palette
    > Reference images
    > Elevation views
    > Proposed material (approved materials are GRC, acrylic textured coating system, fibre cement board, “building materials integrated with LED”, and “any other durable, low-maintenance, and sustainable material” – but ceramic tiles seem to be the preference)
  • T&C confirmation includes “I confirm that this proposal complies with all tunnel safety and visual design guidelines” (not sure where you find those)
  • No entry fee
  • None stated
  • Work installed in a Dubai tunnel, presumbly on a semi-permanent basis

G42 Advanced Technologies Art Award

TECH ART

DEADLINE 14 August 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