Ahead of World Art Dubai – the region’s only affordable art fair – which is set to return 8 – 11 April, emerging artists, and amateur photographers and videographers are being called forward to participate in an exciting calendar of competitions, workshops and activations targeting all age groups.

Placing local emerging talent at the forefront of its year-round mission to support the region’s growing art scene, World Art Dubai is collaborating with companies and schools that share its vision to nurture budding creativity across the emirate.

“A core value of World Art Dubai is the passion and ambition to further promote and support the local art scene, and by engaging with various groups across Dubai, from local schools to the emerging artist community, we are practicing what we preach and providing as many platforms for individuals to grow as possible,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC.

“The most successful and established artists who now exhibit with us started their craft in their school art department before finding their way as emerging artists, and we want to help grow the next generation.”

Emerging Artists competition

The World Art Dubai Emerging Artists Competition & Exhibition returns for its second year in partnership with Rove Hotels to be in with the chance of winning a stand at World Art Dubai 2021, as well as packages from Rove Hotels for runners up. Rebia Naim from Emerging Scene, the international platform for emerging artists, has joined the search this year to support the goal of finding the most unique and innovative artists ahead of the April art fair.

Budding artists looking for the opportunity to showcase their creativity are encouraged to visit WorldArtDubai.com and upload their artwork digitally for a chance to be shortlisted by Rebia and World Art Dubai curator and artist Petra Kaltenbach in the five award categories, including most innovative artwork and unique styles.

“We had a hugely successful partnership last year with World Art Dubai, extending that into the 2020 edition is exciting,” said Paul Bridger, Corporate Director of Operations at Rove Hotels. “Our team looks forward to receiving entries and helping artists who are yet to be established, grow their presence in the region.”

Nikon photography and videography workshop

Following last year’s photowalks success, Nikon School is returning to the fold with an expanded agenda that includes an exhibition of NikonME’s ‘best of the best’ UAE-based photography. World Art Dubai will this year serve as a canvas for both videography and photography amateurs as Nikon’s workshops aim to educate those who join on key event photography and videography skills.

Nikon is also calling for amateur photographers and videographers to enter its competition to be in with the chance of winning incredible prizes including a Nikon Z 50 kit for photographers and a Nikon Z6 kit for videographers. Budding snappers are invited to upload to WorldArtDubai.com a set of five photographs alongside a 300-word essay outlining the artists vision, while videographers are requested to present a five-minute video along with a one-minute behind-the-scenes and a film poster.

Engaging with local schools

Falling in line with Expo 2020’s vision, World Art Dubai has opened the floor to six schools to submit work under the theme of ‘inclusion’. Students are requested to team together to submit collaborative pieces, further aligning with the inclusive premise.

Selected schools have been invited to submit painted murals, sculptures, installations and mixed media artworks for junior and senior school student groups for a chance to win a cash prize for the school’s art department.

World Art Dubai will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre, Halls 1 & 2 for its sixth edition on 8– 11 April 2020. More information is available at www.worldartdubai.com