Dubai to Honour all International Patronage in Visual Arts, Film, Literature
and Performing Arts

DUBAI, U.A.E., Jan. 27 /CNW/ - Dubai is honouring all regional and international patrons of the arts, who have made financial contributions towards strengthening Dubai's art scene, with the first ever recognition of its sort in the Arab world.

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate's dedicated organisation for developing, promoting and preserving culture, heritage and the arts, is inviting submissions for the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, which will honour patrons of art or cultural events in Dubai or a Dubai-affiliated initiative.

The awards were announced during Art Dubai 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

"By extending the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards to patrons from the region and beyond, Dubai is leading a new dynamic to promote the arts," said Mishaal Al Gergawi, Project & Events Manager of Dubai Culture.

"With this global outreach, we underscore our gratitude to all art patrons who support Dubai's art scene. Their patronage has helped Dubai build an established platform today to drive the growth of the arts," added Al Gergawi.

The awards honour financial contributions or in kind support to visual arts, performing arts, films and literary initiatives in Dubai from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2009 . The Awards will be conferred in four categories: 'Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,' 'Patrons of the Arts,' 'Supporters of the Arts,' and 'Friends of the Arts'.

Al Gergawi said the city's cultural sphere has gained tremendously from the support of patrons not only in the UAE but also across the GCC region and globally. "The far-reaching patronage to the disciplines of literature, visual arts, film and performing arts highlights Dubai's evolution from being a platform for content exhibition to that of content creation."

The awards will be presented in March 2010 at Art Dubai 2010. Individuals or organisations can nominate by downloading the application form from http://www.dubaiculture.ae/paa. Entries must be submitted by mail to: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, Level 15, The Gate Building, Dubai International Financial Centre, PO Box 125115, Dubai, United Arab Emirates .

For further information: Kelly Home, ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, [phone], [email protected]