"Bridging Futures through Culture, Empowering Sino-Arab through Art"— Dubai Minister of Culture
The Art Fund Dubai Awards
Purpose
Developed in alignment with the Middle East Art Development White Paper, the annual award theme is "Digital Silk Road & Renewal of Traditional Symbols."
To deepen cultural exchanges for the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, the "AFD Art Awards—The Art Fund Dubai Awards" has officially been launched. Jointly initiated by the Dubai Department of Culture and the Chinese Embassy in the UAE, with strategic co-sponsorship from the ADQ and BMW Group, the award focuses on innovative practices by Chinese artists in the field of contemporary art. Through a three-dimensional empowerment model integrating "government, international curation, and commerce" It aims to establish a core platform for Sino-Arab artistic dialogue.
Sponsor
Art Fund Dubai
Abu Dhabi • Developmental Holding Company(ADQ)
Dubai Culture
Dubai Royal Cultural Affairs Office
Belt and Road Cultural Development Fund
China International Cultural Exchange Foundation
Special Sponsor: BMW Group
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund(UNICEF)
About The Sponsor
Art Fund Dubai
Established in 2007 through a joint initiative by the Dubai Culture and Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company (ADQ), AFD operates as a state-level art fund under the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, approved by the Dubai government.As a central collaborative platform, AFD partners with 22 government entities – including the Dubai Culture & Arts Council and UAE National Art Gallery – to lead key initiatives outlined in the annual Cultural White Paper.
With a dedicated 2025 budget of AED 120 million, AFD prioritizes two flagship programs "Young Artists Development Program" and "Digital Heritage Initiative" Aiming to enhance the local art ecosystem and expand its global influence.
Abu Dhabi Developmental holding Company(ADQ)
Established in 2018, with assets under management (AUM) exceeding $249 billion, ADQ drives UAE's economic diversification through core investments in energy,infrastructure,and strategic sectors.
Recent milestones include: Acquisition of Sotheb's Middle East (2023) to amplify its influence in the global art market.Funding digital transformation for local cultural institutions.Leveraging its "Capital + Industry" model - exemplified by strategic acquisitions like energy giant TAQA – ADSWF channels sustainable financing into cultural projects while fostering art-commerce synergy, bolstering the UAE's vision as a global cultural nexus.
Dubai Culture
As the central government body responsible for formulating and implementing national cultural policies, Dubai Culture advocates cultural diplomacy through international platforms such as the G20 Cultural Working Group, emphasizing the integration of cultural heritage preservation with climate action. Its affiliated agencies, including the National Media Council, provide legal safeguards and resource support for artistic creation while driving the development of cultural industry clusters like Media City, offering infrastructure and policy facilitation for institutions such as AFD.
Dubai Royal Cultural Affairs Office
Leveraging the strategic resources of Dubai’s Royal Family, the office coordinates cultural initiatives involving royal members, exemplified by the Dubai World Trade Centre’s role as the permanent venue for Art Dubai, whose development and operation underscore the Royal Family’s prioritization of the arts. Through sponsoring international art exhibitions and establishing dedicated scholarship programs, the Royal Family continues to elevate Dubai’s global influence as a “capital of art.”
Belt and Road Cultural Development Fund
As a national-level cultural cooperation platform under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, it operates with policy and think tank support from the Belt and Road Research Institute under the Development Research Center of the State Council of China. Its core functions include establishing long-term mechanisms for cross-border artistic exchanges, such as advancing the substantive operations of over 10 professional alliances like the Silk Road International Theater Alliance and Museum Alliance, and facilitating over 30 landmark cultural projects including the China-ASEAN Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibitions and the Central Asia Digital Arts Festival.
Special Sponsor: BMW Group
BMW Group, a global leader in sustainable mobility and premium manufacturing, has been pioneering innovations in new energy, autonomous driving, and digital transformation. Since launching its"Sustainable Future"strategy in 2015, BMW has invested over €20 billion in low-carbon technology R&D.
In 2023, BMW partnered with Art Fund Dubai (AFD) as the Chief Collaborator of its "Art-Tech Fusion Initiative", leveraging its global R&D network and expertise from the Munich Digital Factory to advance Duba's Smart Art City infrastructure. A flagship outcome is their co-developed Carbon-Traceable NFT Platform, which uses blockchain to track artworks'carbon footprints across their lifecycle. Certified by Expo 2025 Dubai, the platform is projected to reduce annual carbon emissions by 17%, directly supporting the UAE's 2030 Carbon Neutrality Goal.
Concurrently, BMW established the"Future Art Fund"to sponsor youth artists from Belt and Road countries in creating works themed on renewable energy, driving innovative synergies between cultural heritage and cutting-edge technologies.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)
UNESCO established in 1945 and headquartered in Paris, is the sole specialized agency within the UN system dedicated to education, science, culture, and communication, with 195 Member States. Its core mission is to advance global sustainable development by safeguarding World Heritage, ensuring equitable access to education, fostering scientific innovation, and preserving cultural diversity.
Through flagship programs such as the Global Education Monitoring Report and the Endangered Heritage Protection Initiative, UNESCO has driven 134 countries to ratify the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, while expanding STEM education access in sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting over 60 million students.
In 2023, UNESCO launched the "Digital Silk Road Corridor" initiative, deploying satellite networks to deliver free online educational resources to remote regions across 20 countries. This project strengthens digital preservation of cultural heritage and international collaboration, solidifying UNESCO’s role as an indispensable pillar of cultural governance for the UN's 2030 Agenda.
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund(UNICEF)
UNICEF established in 1949 and headquartered in New York, is one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations, dedicated to safeguarding children's rights to survival, development, and protection. Operating in over 190 countries, its priority areas include maternal and child health, basic education, gender equality, and emergency crisis response.
Through partnerships like the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), UNICEF provides free vaccines to 120 million children annually. Initiatives such as the Clean Water Access Program in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and other regions have improved water security for 30 million people.
In 2022, UNICEF's landmark State of the World's Children Report revealed that 43% of children globally lack access to basic education, prompting the launch of the "Back to School" initiative to reintegrate 160 million out-of-school children affected by conflicts and pandemics.
UNICEF's rapid humanitarian response in Ukraine, Gaza, and other crisis zones has delivered nutrition packs, psychological support, and temporary shelters to millions of children, reinforcing its role as the UN's central implementing body for child rights.
Judging Panel
The competition is adjudicated by an 11-member international jury, including the Director of Dubai Culture, Council Member of the Hong Kong Fine Arts Association, and Director of the Venice Biennale, among others, with overseen throughout the process by the Chinese Embassy in the UAE to ensure credibility.
Director of Dubai Culture
Mohammed, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, and Founder of Dubai Culture, visits the 17th Dubai Art Expo accompanied by AFD Director Amna Shamsi.
Director of the Artist Association HongKong
Professor Xiao Huirong, Council Member of the Hong Kong Fine Arts Association, engages with UAE Royal Family representatives at the "Belt and Road Art Tour Exhibition" celebrating the 40th anniversaryof China-UAE diplomatic ties.
President & Director of Sharjah Art Foundation
Hoor Al Qasimi – President of Sharjah Art Foundation and global advocate for Middle Eastern art through the Sharjah Biennale.
Curator of Venice Biennale
Koyo Kouoh – Curator of the 61st Venice Biennale; Executive Director & Chief Curator of Zeitz MOCAA (Cape Town) since 2019; Documenta 12/13 advisory curator.
Director of Kunsthalle Basel
Elena Filipovic – Director and Chief Curator of Kunsthalle Basel.
Arts Advisor of Louvre Abu Dhabi
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak(First Left) – Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, overseeing cultural, tourism, and urban development initiatives.
Global Resources
The award winner will receive a solo exhibition in the main section of Art Dubai, a commissioned project at Art Basel, and a $100,000 creation fund. Their work will also be supported through the ADQ Global Art Fund and BMW’s "Art & Technology Fusion Program," facilitating global digital exhibitions and showcases in the Dubai Design District.
• Solo exhibitions in the main sections of Art Dubai and Abu Dhabi Art (2025–26)
• Curatorial commission for the International Art Exhibition of the 61st Venice Biennale (2026)
• $100,000 creation fund (provided by the AFD Global Art Fund)
• Co-sponsorship by BMW Group's "Art & Technology Lab"
• Special exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi (2025)
• Special exhibition at the Sinyagda Museum, Dubai (2026)
Media Resources
During major local events such as Dubai Art Week and the Atlantis Art Festival, the artist will be given priority for the “Annual Spotlight Artist” feature interviews and collaborative offline exhibitions, providing a fast track to international exposure.
Global Media
As a leading journal in the Asian contemporary art field, ArtReview Asia focuses on the art ecosystems of the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. It maintains deep collaborations with top-tier events such as the Dubai Biennale and the Bahrain International Arts Festival. The magazine features in-depth artist profiles, regional market analyses, and cultural policy insights. Its readership includes collectors, curators, and executives from international cultural institutions.
Upon joining the AFD media network, award-winning works will be promoted through high-end visual features and video columns, with targeted exposure to high-net-worth art audiences in the Gulf region.
Regarded as the "Oscars" of the global art world, the ArtReview Power 100 ranks the most influential figures in contemporary art based on impact, market value, and innovation. Since its launch in 2009, the list has helped propel numerous artists into the global spotlight.
AFD award recipients will automatically be considered for inclusion in this ranking system, with opportunities for feature interviews and exclusive coverage that strengthen their industry credibility and enhance their negotiation power within the international network of collectors and galleries.
As the largest English-language daily in the Middle East, The National’s arts section (The National Arts) focuses on both local and global cultural developments. Its readership includes UAE royal family members, cultural ministry officials, and multinational business elites.
AFD-winning artists will receive bilingual coverage in both Arabic and English, and will be given priority for “Annual Spotlight Artist” interviews and collaborative exhibitions during major events such as Dubai Art Week and the Atlantis Art Festival—accelerating market entry in the Gulf region.
Renowned for its critical writing and avant-garde perspective, Artforum is one of the most influential contemporary art magazines in the United States. Its digital platform, Artforum.com, receives over 2 million monthly visits, attracting curators, museum directors, and top-tier collectors.
Through AFD’s collaboration, winning artists will have their work featured in the “Global Emerging Artists Index” and may participate in Artforum-hosted virtual exhibitions and roundtable forums—providing direct access to the core of the Western contemporary art world.
Chinese Media
The artist will also receive media coverage from major platforms such as CHINADAILY, Sina, SOHO, Tencent, JiluChina, Netease, ELLE, VOGUE, BAZAAR, People's Daily, etc.
Long-term Residency Support
The "China–Arab Artist Residency Program" will be established to annually select 100 Chinese artists to undertake creative residencies in Dubai. The program aims to engage with local communities and institutions, fostering cultural exchange and supporting the integration of art into industry and everyday life.
Charity Auction
In collaboration with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a special charity auction featuring donated works by participating artists will be held. A portion of the proceeds will go toward supporting the United Nations Women and Children’s Funds (UN Women and UNICEF).
Award Categories
The AFD Art Awards has established three exclusive categories for artists:
• Future Pioneer Award (Emerging Artists) – For emerging talents who are dramatically shaping the future of contemporary art with groundbreaking creations.
• China-Arab Star Award (Established Artists) – For accomplished artists who have achieved excellence and continue to drive the development of artistic practice.
• Hall of Glory Award (Iconic Artists) – To honor legendary artists whose careers have had a profound and lasting impact on the global art landscape.
Additionally, six cross-industry categories are set:
• Curators – To recognize core leaders who design and experience art through pioneering exhibitions or projects.
• Galleries and Institutions – Including galleries, art centers, non-profit spaces, and other cultural institutions dedicated to presenting groundbreaking exhibitions, supporting contemporary innovative works, and expanding audience engagement and inclusivity.
• Patrons – Supporters such as foundations, collectors, and corporations who have made a significant impact through funding strategies, including grants, acquisitions, or commissioning works.
• Cross-disciplinary Creators – Individuals, groups, or organizations shaping contemporary culture at the intersection of visual arts and other creative industries, such as fashion, design, film, architecture, or music.
• Media and Storytellers – Critics, publishers, editors, writers, or digital narrators who drive the development of the art disciplines.
Nomination and Selection
Phase 01
Interested participants are invited to visit the AFD official website and fill out the form:
• Individual creators, independent artists, and artist collectives must submit a personal CV, an Artist Statement, and a portfolio of works.
• Galleries, curators, and art institutions are required to submit documents such as a business license, international gallery certification, artist representation agreements,
curatorial features, creative statements, exhibition history, and financial proof.
• Other applicants such as corporations and collectors who are unable to submit through the standard application form, please contact:
amnashamsi@artfunddubai.com
awards@artfunddubai.com
Phase 02
An international jury will evaluate submissions based on four core criteria: Artistic Vision & Positioning, Audience Engagement, Technical Skill & Execution, and Impact & Visibility.
From the pool of nominees, 100 award recipients will be selected. The winners will be announced in May, followed by a special exhibition of selected works and an awards ceremony and celebration held at Dubai’s most iconic heritage institution — the Al Shindagha Museum.
Phase 03
The 100 award recipients will be selected through a combination of public and jury voting. From these, 12 Gold Award winners will be chosen, with the final results to be announced in December 2025.
Instruction Process
Artwork Categories
All forms of artistic expression are welcome, including painting, installation, video, photography, multimedia, and graphic design.
Application Materials
Personal documents: CV, Artistic Statement/Biography
Portfolio details: Concept, year, dimensions, materials, high-resolution images or videos, and artwork valuation
Personal info: Basic artist information, a recent photo, and (if available) personal website and social media links (domestic and international)
File Formats
Images: JPG/PNG format, each under 10MB
Videos: MP4 format
Each file must be named as follows: Title | Dimensions | Category | Year
For series works, please include: Series title, individual work titles, dimensions, category, year, brief description (max 200 words), and pricing.
Each artist is eligible to submit one work from one series for free, and must follow the official submission form instructions.
To ensure timely jury review, additional submissions beyond the first will require a fee:
$120 USD per artwork (not part of a series).
$60 USD per artwork for currently enrolled students.
*Individual works (not part of a series) may include the series title on the submission page for multiple entries.
*All artworks will be reviewed anonymously, without artist names attached, to ensure fairness and impartiality.
Submitting more artworks may increase the chances of being selected; artists should assess based on their own capacity and resources.
Each artist may submit up to five different artworks by the deadline. Please do not resubmit the same piece.
Plagiarism, impersonation, or submission of non-original work is strictly forbidden. Works containing inappropriate, vulgar, pornographic, or violent content are strictly prohibited. Please note: Each artist may submit a maximum of five works per submission.
For those submitting five or more artworks, partial fee waivers may apply to support accessibility.
*Inquiries will only be accepted through the official channels listed above. Submissions or messages sent via unofficial platforms (e.g., social media DMs, partner platforms, personal emails, phone messages) will not be recognized. Any attempt to interfere with the jury process (e.g., bribery, coercion) will result in disqualification from both application and award eligibility.
The jury will comprehensively evaluate artist statements, portfolio content, and artistic merit. We are committed to offering equal creative opportunities to all applicants.
For any inquiries or to request a fee reduction, please contact the official email:
awards@artfunddubai.com or reach out via official WeChat/WhatsApp support.
Image & Data Sources
Art Fund Dubai
Abu Dhabi • Developmental Holding Company(ADQ)
Dubai Culture
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO)
United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund(UNICEF)
Supporting Organization
Abu Dhabi • Developmental Holding Company(ADQ)
