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Due time for artistic expression

says the New Signature Project Manager, Colette Auttig Moo. "Very few of the universities have Fine Arts Departments apart from Sharjah and even that is only three years old. There’s no history or culture of art criticism and the galleries cannot afford to focus on contemporary art."

But life is about to change for emerging young artists with the launch of a new competition which will create a platform to give then exposure and allow them to gain recognition. Under the patronage of Shaikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, herself a keen artist, Dubai Ladies’ Club Art and Talent Centre has launched 'New Signature'. Shaikha Manal’s Young Artist Award is for artists who have not yet had a solo exhibition; those resident in the UAE are invited to compete for prize money that amounts to Dh100,000. But the competition is far from being simply a cash cow.

"The concept has been brought from South Africa which has a tradition of these competitions. As a young student you work hard to get selected because they are very prestigious," says Colette. "If you win there is critical acclaim, people are confident in investing in your work, you get offers from museums and pieces become parts of corporate collections. This is a stepping stone to launch a career and hopefully will create a greater public understanding of contemporary art."

According to Colette, the work being produced in the region is "spectacular, of very good quality, very intense and thought provoking". Submissions of work may be made by budding artists until the end of October and judging will take place in November. The panel of eight judges include both regional and international representatives plus an expert from fine art auctioneers, Christies. Although entries can be made in three categories ranging from traditional painting to innovative computer generated art, there can only be one overall winner and Colette hopes that the judging will be tough.

"There will be the Judges’ Award, First and Second Merits and the People’s Choice Award." [The last carries no cash prize.] "Between 80-100 works will be displayed and we hope to get the public involved, to get them discussing and analyzing. The emphasis is on quality because we want to show the best and create that atmosphere of prestige. Hopefully, the judges will be quite strict so that individuals and corporate bodies will be assured that they can invest in these works."

In addition to the obvious exposure and the top prize of 50,000 Dhs, the winner of the Judges’ Award will also have his/her solo exhibition in 2007. But Colette hopes that the outcomes will reach far wider and start a general discourse on art in which people discuss, analyse and argue.

"If that happens, we’ve made progress. In the UAE, according to the papers, every exhibition is beautiful. We want to hear people engaging in critical conversation about art. That’s what makes it exciting and incredible."

Entry forms for 2006 are already available at the Dubai Ladies’ Club Art and Talent Centre which will also host the exhibition after selection. Forms can also be obtained from the Cultural Council, universities, colleges and galleries. And then there’s 2007.

"Artists should aim to be part of the exhibition next year and should be proud to be selected."