Emirates NBD and Tashkeel in partnership to celebrate UAE National Day with unique art competition

Emirates NBD, a leading bank in the region, and Tashkeel, an independent resource for artists and designers living and working in the UAE, announced today the launch of a unique art competition entitled, “My UAE,” to celebrate the 40^th UAE National Day.

The competition is open to UAE-based artists from all nationalities, and is themed around reflections of how the UAE is perceived by residents who live in the country. Artists aged 18 years and older, can participate by submitting the digital photograph of an art piece in any genre, including painting, photography, mixed media, installations and sculptures.

“The UAE is truly a meeting place of various cultures with more than 150 nationalities who call it home,” said Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum Al Maktoum, Director – Tashkeel. “On the occasion of our 40^th National Day, we believe it is only fitting to recognise the richness and diversity of cultures resident in the country, and celebrate what UAE means to each one of us. We are pleased to partner with Emirates NBD, the largest financial services organisation in the UAE, to launch this unique art competition. This initiative will create a platform for cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange - the main pillars on which Tashkeel is founded.”

Tashkeel, which was established on January 14 2008, has organised several exhibitions to promote international exchange of art. It also organises workshops in creative practice led by practicing artists, which is open to both members and non-members. Tashkeel members have access to various studio facilities including fine art, photography and darkroom, printmaking, textile printing, MAC suite, jewellery and 3-D studios. In addition to the studio resources, there is an up-to-date journals and reference library, as well as a member's room and a gallery open to the public.

“As a UAE bank, Emirates NBD is keen to celebrate the glory and greatness of our nation and what better occasion than the National Day?” said Saif Al Mansoori, Deputy Head – Group Marketing and Branding, Emirates NBD. “In the four decades since the founding of the UAE, the country has grown both economically and culturally to establish itself as an important participant both in the region and across the globe. As we commemorate our 40^th National Day this year, we believe it is important to recognise the contribution from the residents, which has served to enrich the economic and cultural wealth of our country.”

“This unique art competition is in line with Emirates NBD’s commitment to support the growth of culture and heritage in the UAE. It has been devised in partnership with Tashkeel, which is focused on facilitating art and design practice, and provides us with an opportunity to showcase our varied heritage,” he added.

The entries will be judged by a panel of judges selected by Tashkeel, including an Emirates NBD representative, two representatives from Tashkeel and two well-known artists. Three cash prizes of AED 20,000, AED10,000 and AED5,000 will be awarded by Emirates NBD to the top three contestants. In addition, the top three winners will also have the opportunity to avail of free membership for 12, six and three months respectively, at Tashkeel.

The winners of the competition will be announced on December 1, 2011 during the National Day celebrations at the Emirates NBD Headquarters in Deira, Dubai. The top 20 entries will also form part of a 40-day exhibition, which will be inaugurated the same day at the Emirates NBD headquarters.