The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority has invited online entries for the second edition of the 'Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards 2011'.

A pioneering initiative in the Arab world, these awards are presented to organisations and individuals, who make financial or in-kind contributions to promoting the cultural scene of Dubai, said a statement from Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

Patrons can now apply at www.patronsofthearts.ae, for their contributions towards promoting visual arts, performing arts, literature, and film in Dubai from January 1 to December 31. The last date for receiving the submissions is January 31, it added.

Additionally, art galleries and other cultural organisations can nominate their patrons for the awards on-line, the statement said.

In the first edition of the awards, Dubai Culture had honoured over 50 art patrons in four categories – ‘Distinguished Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Patrons of the Arts,’ ‘Supporters of the Arts,’ and ‘Friends of the Arts.’

Together, the awardees had contributed about Dh250 million towards the arts sector of Dubai from 2007 to 2009.

The Distinguished Patrons of the Arts, who have contributed over Dh5 million, will be presented to individuals or organisations for their work across the past three years, from 2008 to 2010. In the other three categories, the evaluation will be based on their contribution during this year.

Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, said: "The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards plays a powerful and transformative role in stimulating the cultural scene of Dubai."

"It not only encourages the patrons to extend further support to various artforms in the emirate but also provides the right incentive and platform for the artistic community to create original content. This in turn will have a far-reaching impact in attracting global attention," he explained.

“As we enter the second edition of the Awards, we are further easing the convenience of the patrons by opening online submissions through a dedicated website and an easy to complete step-by-step application process."

"This online initiative is part of our commitment to support the Dubai Government drive in promoting e-services to all stakeholders," Al Nabouda added.-TradeArabia News Service