Dubai Culture to honour patrons of the arts on May 13

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, is set to honour the heroes behind the city’s thriving culture and arts scene with the fourth annual Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards to be presented at a ceremony on May 13.

Honouring patrons across the city of Dubai for driving the growth of its cultural and artistic landscape, the fourth cycle will recognise the contribution of patrons in four different categories including: ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Supporters of the Arts,’ and ‘Friends of the Arts,’ for their support towards the four main disciplines of art – visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai in 2009, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards is a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Arab world. It aspires to bring the importance of patronage, whether financial or in-kind, to the forefront, and its role in strengthening the growth of the city’s artistic landscape.

Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards are today among the most prestigious honours for individuals and organisations that highlight their committed support to Dubai’s arts and cultural scene. Through the Awards, we are reiterating on the role that patronage plays in spearheading Dubai’s position as the cultural hub of the region.

“In addition to providing substantial platforms for Emirati and UAE-based talent, the patrons have served as the strong force that continues to enable Dubai to promote original content creation and put the spotlight on our talented artists.”

In 2012, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards honoured patrons for contributing AED 165 million to the city’s artistic landscape, recording a 24 percent growth compared with the previous year.

Dubai’s diverse breadth of cultural and artistic events include: Art Week, comprising SIKKA Art Fair, Art Dubai, and Design Days Dubai; Dubai International Film Festival, Gulf Film Festival, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre, which are a testament to the support from patrons towards the culture and arts scene of the city.