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Wednesday 11 November 2009

HH Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award

Public Exhibition of Shortlisted Works for Her Highness Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award to open on Sunday

The Art Centre at Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, today announced that all shortlisted entries for Her Highness Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award 2009 will be shown in a major exhibition from Sunday, 15th November 2009 to Thursday, 19th November 2009.

The exhibition, which will be held in The Art Centre at Dubai Ladies Club, will feature 50 artworks by young Emirati and UAE resident artists and is open to male and female visitors from 10 am to 9 pm.

In line with the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the competition aims to encourage, recognize and promote emerging artists from the UAE.
Now in its third year, this year’s competition has seen the highest ever number of submissions with more than 250 entries from 14 different nationalities, reflecting the continued interest in art within the community and the role of H.H. Sheikha Manal’s Young Artist Award as the UAE’s most important award for young emerging artists.

Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club added, “The result of the application process has been overwhelming. We are very pleased with this year’s 50 shortlisted contemporary pieces which range greatly in subject matter and context. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the participants who offered us their best works, the distinguished judges for giving their consent and time to be part of this project and thereby contributing significantly towards the development and recognition of art and culture, and our exclusive sponsor Etisalat who has provided us with support in order to make this event a success.”

The competition received entries in a variety of mediums, from digital animation and video to paintings, sculpture, drawings and photography. It was open to all UAE residents, male and female, between the ages of 18 to 30 years. One major criterion for the award was that the artist should not have had an independent solo exhibition previously. This year’s shortlist includes first time entrants as well as participants of Her Highness Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Program.

The shortlisted entries will be reviewed by a distinguished panel comprised of prominent figures from the world of art, art experts and educators from recognized global institutions including Sheikha Latifa Bint Maktoum, Founder of Tashkeel; Judith Greer, Associate Director of International Programmes for the Sharjah Art Foundation; Salwa Mikdadi, Head of Arts and Culture Program at the Emirates Foundation; Jassim Al Awadhi, Emirati photographer and Chairman of UAE Photography Club. The winning artists will be announced during the Gala Award Ceremony to be held on Tuesday, 24th November 2009.

Furthermore, following the opening of the exhibition on Sunday, 15th November 2009, the public will have a chance to vote for their favourite art work for ‘The People’s Choice Award’ through the website’s online voting feature. The People's Choice Award is distinctive in that it is the only award that is not conferred by the jury. Rather, it is bestowed on the finalist artist whose work receives the most public votes.

To view the 50 shortlisted entries and to submit your vote for ‘The People’s Choice Award’ please visit www.youngartistaward.ae.

The Art Centre
In line with Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s support of various artistic and cultural initiatives for women and the youth in the UAE, she established The Art Center at Dubai Ladies Club. This fully equipped and dedicated facility offers a variety if courses ranging from fine arts to applied arts, design to crafts, creative writing to music and photography. It is the first dedicated art facility in Dubai for ladies and includes an arts and crafts shop, photography studio and an art exhibition hall.

Dubai Ladies Club
The Dubai Ladies Club is not just another club. Founded in 2003 as part of the Dubai Women Establishment by Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, its mission was to create an oasis where the modern Emirati woman could develop her interests and talents, be they in the arts, sport, fashion, philanthropy or business. A place not only to satisfy women’s existing needs, but to enhance and encourage new skills and awareness. The club’s stated objective was to help national women realize their potential, and as a result, contribute to an ever changing, dynamic, modern society.

Successfully combining luxury with learning, modernity with tradition, the local with the global, since its inception the club has developed and gone on to become a powerhouse of cultural exchange, debate and recreation for women of all ages and nationalities.

The clubs world-class facilities and services include a dedicated Art Centre, a superior Childcare Centre, fully equipped Fitness Centre and the five-star Moroccan Style Al Asalla Spa. The club also offers a long line of programs, events and activities which will help nurture and nourish spiritual wellbeing of every woman. Moreover, the tranquil atmosphere envelopes the Club is further enhanced by its exquisite location overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches in Dubai.
For more information about Dubai Ladies Club, please visit www.dubailadiesclub.com.

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