Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards to be presented on April 3

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai is honouring the unsung heroes of the Emirate’s cultural and arts scene, once again. 

The patrons of the arts, who have helped strengthen Dubai’s cultural sector, will take centrestage at the second edition of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards. 

Announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, the Awards are the first of its kind initiative in the Arab world. The second edition of the Awards will be presented at an exclusive event to be held on April 3, 2011, organised by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). 

Patrons who made financial or in-kind contribution towards cultural and arts initiatives in Dubai during 2010 will be honoured at the ceremony in four categories: ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Supporters of the Arts,’ and ‘Friends of the Arts.’ 

Saeed Nabouda, Acting Director General of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said the second edition of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards received strong response from the patrons, both existing and new. “Dubai Culture had launched a special website on the Patrons of the Arts Awards to encourage patrons to apply and to provide comprehensive on line information on the initiative. 

“The patrons supported several new initiatives that were rolled out across visual arts, literature, performing arts and film in 2010. The support of the patrons, who often stay out of the limelight, is the key catalyst that helps Dubai in further establishing its cultural identity.”  

With Art Dubai and Dubai Culture’s own initiative – the SIKKA Art Fair - just concluding and drawing international attention, Dubai has consolidated its leading position as a cultural and arts hub through initiatives such as the Dubai International Film Festival, Gulf Film Festival, Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre. 

Last year, the Awards honoured over 50 patrons from a spectrum of industries including Government entities, real estate, finance, banking, hospitality, travel and tourism, art, and a number of individuals. Together, they had contributed about AED 250 million towards enriching Dubai’s art scene from 2007 to 2009.