New nationwide art competition to support UAE talent

All residents in the country aged 18 and above are welcome to participate

A new nationwide art competition has been launched to support aspiring and emerging UAE artists with commissioned pieces - and all residents aged 18 and above are welcome to participate.
The Wilton Terrace Art Competition - which bears the theme 'The Art of the Silk Road' - is an initiative by the Ellington Art Foundation to foster local artists and turn the spotlight on homegrown talent.
Applications can include concepts for paintings, photographs, sculptures or installations and will need to be submitted by October 31. They will be reviewed by a panel of seasoned industry experts - and will need to demonstrate the fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, using a neutral palette and earthy tones.
With the ongoing pandemic, this will come as welcome news to many in the industry, which has been hit hard due to the lack of exhibitions and art events.
Commenting on the competition, Robert Booth, managing director of Ellington Properties, said, "We believe art enhances living spaces and is fundamental for creating a vibrant living experience. By creating spaces that not only transcend the norm but also inspire a unique urban narrative, we craft environments that inspire residents."
Robert added that they intend to continue to work with local talent to set new benchmarks in the UAE's property sector with their "design-centric approach".
Promising artists will not only be awarded a premium exhibiting space within Wilton Terraces, they will also receive monetary support from Ellington Art Foundation to craft their masterpieces.
This is not the first initiative of its kind by Ellington Art Foundation, which has, in the past, produced and commissioned other pieces such as Emirati artist Khalid Shafar's 'Palm Bouquet' sculpture in the reception lobby of Belgravia, and 'Hamama', a suspended art installation created by design students of the American University of Sharjah in Belgravia II.
wknd@khaleejtimes.com