Contest brings art into the open

Ebtisam Abdulaziz will be one of a panel of judges choosing which artists have their work on permanent display. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority

DUBAI // Artists have the chance to put their sculptures on permanent display at a mall in the city.

The Public Art Commission competition, launched by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, is open to Emiratis and expatriate sculptors.

The winning entries will eventually be on show in and around the Al Ghurair Centre in Deira.

They should be based around the theme Some Things Change, Some Things Stay the Same.

The Al Ghurair Centre will cover costs of the materials, consultation and installation.

Patricia Millins, an international artist and one of the judges, said Deira was “the heart of old Dubai” and an obvious location for public art.

Ms Millins said the centre is bringing “art to the people and people to the art”.

“I personally started as a concept artist so the bigger and more creative the idea, the more it interested me,” she said. “If you have a good creative idea then let’s see it, so make sure you submit your concept.”

Emirati artists thought the project was a generally a good idea.

Mohammed Al Mansouri said such initiatives could encourage graduates to pursue careers as artists.

“To the young artists, this will give them a chance to push-start their career. It will open the gates for the youth and motivate them to gather experience and support,” he said.

He said this could be beneficial for their career path.

But Mr Al Mansouri said there should be more encouragement from the public and Government for the arts.

He also said more art schools were needed to teach history of contemporary and modern art.

“In most universities, we find courses in design,” Mr Al Mansouri said. “What we need is a concentrated focus on the history of art, the different forms of art and colleges that teach the values of art. We still don’t have real art studies.”

Sultan Al Qassemi, an art enthusiast and collector, said: “It is a good indication to see private corporations support public art projects.”

He said such an initiative is important in encouraging artists, but such forms of art should not be imposed among the public.

“Public art should be a conversation between the community and the artist or funder, and not imposed, or we will see negative repercussions,” Mr Al Qassemi said.

Five finalists will be chosen by a team of judges including Ebtisam Abdulaziz, a member of the Emirates Fine Art Society, whose work has been shown nationally and abroad.

To apply, entrants must submit an email form describing their concept in detail, including sketches showing the size and materials to be used.

They must include a concept statement explaining the idea behind the work and a production plan. Artists must live in the UAE to participate.

Organisers of the Al Ghurair Centre Public Art Commission said they would use the initiative as a platform for emerging talent in the region, and create talking points, photo opportunities and a unique perspective on the city.

Submissions will be accepted until October 10. Judges will announce the finalists in early November.

The unveiling of the sculptures is expected to take place at the Al Ghurair Centre in March next year.

Visit www.alghuraircentre.com for more information.