Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, unveiled the ‘Dubai Cultural Grant’, a transformative initiative investing AED180 million over ten years to support Dubai’s cultural and creative industries.
This comprehensive programme aims to empower local talent and solidify Dubai’s position as a global hub for arts and culture.
Programme Overview
- Total Budget: AED180 million over a decade.
- First-Year Allocation: 18 grants worth AED12 million.
- Creative Focus: Support spans visual and fine arts, design, performing arts, culinary arts, digital arts, literature, heritage, gaming, museology, and professional development.
Her Highness highlighted Dubai’s commitment to creativity, stating, “The Dubai Cultural Grant is an investment in future generations, designed to ignite a cultural movement in Dubai. It strengthens the creative economy by providing opportunities for artists, writers, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs.”
Strategic Vision
The initiative aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focusing on:
- Positioning Dubai as a global cultural leader.
- Supporting creative entrepreneurship.
- Attracting talent and investment.
Her Highness added, “Knowledge, skill, and creativity drive our progress. This grant embodies Dubai’s leadership in nurturing cultural innovation and creating transformative opportunities.”
Programme’s Core Elements
The grants will provide transformative opportunities for creatives, fostering innovation and strategic partnerships. Key highlights include:
1. Empowering Local Talent
The initiative includes targeted programmes to nurture Emirati talent and expand opportunities:
- Emirati Creatives in Venice: A cultural exchange programme connecting Emirati artists with global artisans at the Venice Biennale.
- Emirati Chefs Grant: Partnership with ICCA Dubai to train chefs in traditional and modern cuisine.
- Talent Atelier Programme: Intensive workshops in jewelry and gemstone craftsmanship for 12 Emirati designers, in collaboration with L’École, School of Jewelry Arts.
2. Supporting Research and Heritage
The programme emphasizes the preservation of Emirati identity and history:
- Etihad Museum Research Grant: Annual AED50,000 awards for researchers exploring UAE’s cultural heritage through the museum’s archives.
- Art Jameel Environmental Grants: Focused on sustainability, these grants support UAE-based artists addressing environmental challenges through innovative projects.
3. Expanding Creative Opportunities
- Maison & Objet UAE Showcase: Allows Emirati designers to exhibit at the renowned Paris trade fair.
- Art Dubai Grants: Offers established and emerging artists opportunities at the region’s premier art fair.
- Dubai Design Week Grants: Showcases local designs, emphasizing the UAE’s growing influence in global design.
4. Strengthening Artistic Communities
Programmes also aim to foster collaboration and professional growth:
- Campus Art Dubai: Provides workshops and mentorships for aspiring artists, curators, and cultural producers.
- International Art Fairs Grant: Enables Dubai galleries to participate in international fairs, showcasing Emirati talent on global stages.
Launch Event Highlights
The announcement was made at Etihad Museum, with notable attendees including Her Excellency Aisha Abdullah Miran, representatives from leading cultural institutions, and creative professionals. Collaborators include Alserkal Group, Art Jameel, and the Emirates Literature Foundation.
Tamakan Studio developed the programme’s visual identity, showcasing its strategic focus on empowering Emirati talent and fostering cultural innovation.
Signature Programmes
1. Quoz Arts Fest
Held at Alserkal Avenue, this festival engages the public with creative works and offers a platform for artists to connect with the community.
2. Theatre Accelerator
A partnership with Dubai National Theater and Sandooq Al Watan, this month-long training programme provides hands-on experience in scenography, sound design, and performance art.
3. Exporting Local Literary Talent
In collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation, this initiative connects Emirati authors and poets with international festivals, expanding their reach and influence.
4. Family Eid Play Programme
This initiative celebrates local storytelling through theatrical performances for children, inspiring young audiences to explore their creative potential.
5. Art + Tech Training
A four-month programme under the Sikka platform, it equips artists with skills to integrate technology into creative projects, fostering growth in Dubai’s digital art scene.
Inspiring Global Presence
The ‘Dubai Cultural Grant’ aims to showcase Emirati talent internationally, as seen in initiatives like:
- Shatha Essa Kids Pop-Up: The first Emirati childrenswear brand at Harrods, London, reflecting Dubai’s global cultural influence.
- Maison & Objet UAE Designers Showcase Grant: Promotes Emirati design excellence on international platforms.
Her Highness remarked, “These programmes provide valuable exposure and foster cross-cultural exchange, further enhancing Dubai’s global standing in the creative industries.”
Fostering a Creative Economy
The grant programme supports entrepreneurship across various creative disciplines, encouraging projects that deliver lasting value to the local economy. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and cultural preservation, the initiative ensures a dynamic and inclusive platform for creatives to thrive.
Opportunities for Emerging Talent
The initiative actively supports younger generations through:
- Piano Camp: A six-month programme by HOUSE OF PIANOS UAE, offering expert-led workshops for aspiring pianists aged 6 to 17.
- Campus Art Dubai: Professional development opportunities for UAE-based creatives to refine their skills.
Long-Term Impact
The AED180 million investment reflects Dubai’s commitment to culture and innovation. The programme’s multifaceted approach ensures the creative community thrives, contributing to the local economy and positioning Dubai as a beacon for global talent.
Her Highness concluded, “This initiative strengthens Dubai’s creative economy, empowering artists to bring their visions to life while inspiring future generations.”
