4th Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards presented to 40 patrons for support to Dubai’s cultural scene
- ‘Special Honouree Award’ to HH Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum
- Honourees contributed over AED170 million towards the cultural and arts sector
- Visual interpretation of HH Sheikh Mohammed’s poem ‘Rare Proverbs’ part of colourful performance
- Selection from HH Sheikh Mohammed’s private collection of art works showcased at venue
Dubai, UAE; May 13, 2013: At a ceremony that highlighted the remarkable achievements and evolution of Dubai’s cultural scene, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) honoured 40 organisations and individuals with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards for their committed support and generous contribution to strengthening the cultural and arts sector of the city.
Now in its fourth cycle, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards is a flagship initiative by Dubai Culture and the first and only one of its kind honour in the region that recognises patronage to culture and the arts. The 40 honourees contributed over AED170 million to the arts scene in 2012, underlining the growing contribution of organisations and individuals to nurture and build various artforms and cultural initiatives elevating Dubai’s status as a global cultural hub.
A highlight of the event was the visual interpretation of Rare Proverbs, a poem written by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, by an ensemble of Emirati, local, and international artists. The audience was equally captivated by the evocative performance of the UAE National Anthem by the UAE National Symphony Orchestra.
Dubai Culture presented the ‘Special Honouree Award,’ introduced this year, to Her Highness Sheikha Hind bint Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, for her continued support towards the arts and culture scene of the UAE. Her Highness Sheikha Hind, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been a principal patron of the Al Nahda Women Association in Dubai, and pioneered the Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Child Creativity, which encourages children to express themselves artistically.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards was launched in 2009 to strengthen awareness on patronage, and the role it plays in strengthening the growth of the arts industry. The honours were presented in four categories: ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Supporters of the Arts,’ and ‘Friends of the Arts,’ for their financial or in-kind contributions towards the four disciplines of art – visual arts, performing arts, film, and literature – from January to December 2012.
Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting Director General, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: “We are thankful to the honourees of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards for their continued and active support to Dubai’s cultural and arts scene.
“Over the past years, Dubai has rolled out several path-breaking arts and cultural initiatives that have gained international acclaim, while facilitating the further development of our local talent. These initiatives have also established our city as a prominent global hub that attracts the finest talent.
“In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the remarkable growth achieved by Dubai in the cultural sector has also been led by the committed support from the patrons. By honouring them, we are putting the spotlight on these unsung heroes.”
Of the total contribution of AED170 million in 2012, 50 percent was towards visual arts, followed by film, at 36 percent. Literature and performing arts accounted for 8 percent and 6 percent each of the total patronage, respectively, compared to four percent, last year.
The ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts’ honourees are: Her Highness Sheikha Lateefa Bint Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Dr. Rafia Ghubash; The Abraaj Group; Jumeirah Group; Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD); Emirates Airline; and Dr. Farhad Farjam.
Honourees of the ‘Patrons of the Arts’ are: Her Highness Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Dubai Police; MBC Group; Deutsche Bank AG; Dubai Duty Free; AGMC-BMW; Mr. Akram Miknas; Cartier; Emaar Properties PJSC; Mr. Ramin Salsali; and Al Serkal Family.
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.
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority:
The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) was launched on March 8, 2008 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. Dubai Culture plays a critical part in achieving the vision of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 of establishing the city as vibrant, global Arabian metropolis that shapes culture and arts in the region and the world. The organisation has announced several initiatives that strengthen the historic and modern cultural fabric of Dubai. These include:
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards: A first-of-its-kind regional initiative to honour patrons of the arts from around the world for their valuable support in encouraging and strengthening the cultural scene of the Emirate.
Sikka Art Fair: An annual art fair aimed at promoting Emirati and local artists in the UAE.
Dubai Festival for Youth Theatre: An annual festival that celebrates and fosters the art of theatre in the UAE.
