OPPORTUNITIES

OPPORTUNITIES

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

DIFC Art Nights 2026 🔗

ART / PERFORMANCE
DEADLINE 29 October 2026

Apply to participate in DIFC Art Nights (12-15 Nov) with 2D or 3D art, workshops, music etc.

  • 22nd edition of DIFC Art Nights runs 12-15 Nov, 5-10pm
  • You can propose …
    – “Traditional” art
    – Digital art
    – Sculpture (“highly encouraged”)
    – Photography
    – Design
    – Murals
    – Interactive workshops (must be free of charge to visitors)
    – Panel talks
    – Live music (musicians must bring and manage their own equipment)
  • Apply with …
    – Images of artwork(s) (max 3MB; pdf, png, jpg)
    – Detailed descriptions of each piece
    – Portfolio (max 3MB; pdf, png, jpg)
    – Profile highlighting your artistic background
  • Art display: Limited number of positions on DIFC Art Walls on a first-come first-serve basis; artists may also participate by bringing their own display walls (but easels are prohibited)
  • Facilities: 
    – Art pieces should be set up the night before
    – DIFC provides only the venue, event marketing, and electrical provision if required (DIFC provides only power source and ensures power supply is always present)
    – No operational assistance with installation
    – Each participant is responsible for their own waste/debris
    – Each participant is responsible for their own insurance. DIFC will not be liable for any loss/damage
    – Mandatory induction meeting prior to the event for selected applications (explains logistics etc)
  • DIFC will contact shortlisted applicants by email: no email means you were not selected
  • Queries to artnights@difc.ae
  • No application fee
  • None stated
  • Participation in DIFC Art Nights

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