Call for Nominations: Art Circle Award (UAE)

Theme

• Theme: “Story of a Dot” – A Bauhaus-Inspired Painting Competition.
  • Artists must explore design fundamentals through Bauhaus principles and Arab modernism.

Award Information

• The winner will receive AED 20,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to UAE Nationals and residents (18+ years, men and women, no entry fee).
• Participation in The Art Circle Award implies full acceptance of these rules. Participants must strictly comply at all times.
• Technique: Open to all pictorial techniques. No brand references or offensive content allowed. The Art Circle reserves the right to disqualify works that do not meet artistic, technical, or legal standards or that promote violence, discrimination, or insensitivity.
• Each artist may submit one artwork, which must not have won an award in any other competition. Proof will be required via an affidavit in the registration form.
• The artist’s name, surname, and artwork title must be written on the back. The artwork may only be signed on the back—signatures on the front are not allowed.
• The painting must be completed and ready at the time of submission.
• Size: Each side must be between 40 cm and 80 cm.
• Digital techniques are not accepted. Mixed media must specify materials used.
• Framing: A simple wooden American-style frame is required (max 3 cm width, no glass or Plexiglas).

Selection Criteria

• A jury of art experts, including UAE institution directors, curators, and collectors, will review submissions based on the images provided.
• Shortlisted artists will be notified by September 15th, 2025, and must submit their original artworks for a physical assessment.
• Artists are responsible for properly wrapping and delivering their paintings to designated locations in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
• Selection is at the jury’s discretion based on the outlined criteria.
• The final shortlist will be publicly announced on the TAC website, and each artist will be notified.
• Shortlisted artworks will be included in the exhibition.
• If an artwork does not make the final exhibition, the artist must collect it before the exhibition opens.
• Mandatory Attendance: Finalists must attend the exhibition opening. If the winner is absent, they will forfeit the award.
• TAC takes the utmost care in handling artworks but is not liable for damage during transportation or exhibition.

Evaluation Criteria

• Conceptual Strength: How effectively does the artwork express the theme “Story of a Dot”?
• Bauhaus & Arab Modernist Influence: How well does the work embody Bauhaus principles and Arab abstraction?
• Composition & Design: Balance, structure, and visual harmony.
• Material & Technique: Innovation and technical skill.
• Originality & Expression: Unique interpretation of the theme.

Application Requirements

• Each participant may submit only one artwork.
• Application Process: Participants must apply personally and submit:
  • UAE ID (PDF format).
  • Artist bio (PDF format).
  • High-resolution image of the artwork (JPG format).
  • Title (optional).
  • Artwork dimensions (height x width).
  • Brief description (max 1,200 characters).
  • Portfolio of past works (optional, PDF format).

For more information, visit The Art Circle.