Calling all artists: Ministry launches competition to select 'Gift of Zayed' to hang in UN headquarters

A competition to select an “exclusive, unique and authentic” was launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation on Sunday.

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Gift-giving is one of the oldest traditions in diplomacy and residents of the UAE are being encouraged to take part in the act by submitting art that will be presented to the United Nations.

A competition to select an “exclusive, unique and authentic” was launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation on Sunday.

The final selection, dubbed the “Gift of Zayed”, will be presented to the UN to be featured in the four UN buildings and headquarters.

Artworks are traditionally presented to the UN by Member States. The gifts embody one of the UN’s main objectives — the unity of humanity in all its cultural diversity.

In 2001, the UAE presented the UN with two sculptures.

This year, the UAE will present a further two gifts to the UN, to go on display at the UN headquarters in New York and at the UAE's mission headquarters to the UN. The third winning artwork will be showcased at MofAIC premises.

The competition winners will also receive specialised training at one of the finest art schools and colleges in the world, reported state news agency Wam.

The competition is open to both citizens and residents of the UAE.

Applicants can only submit one design — that is not plagiarised — and must waive the design ownership, as well as all incumbent rights (including intellectual property) to MoFAIC.

They must also complete a registration form that describes the artwork, explains how the work relates to the core mission of the UN, and lists the materials used in the design.

Sketches depicting the artwork from at least four angles must also be submitted.

Applicants must apply and register online. Requests for registration, forms and information must be sent to zayedgift@mofaic.gov.ae.

Ten designs will be shortlisted by the ministry. Those selected must submit the artwork to the ministry by no later than July 1, 2018.

The United Nations committee will select three winners who will visit the UN headquarters and attend a reception hosted by the UAE on the sidelines of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly.