The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is inviting submissions from patrons and beneficiaries of the arts for the third edition of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards.

A path-breaking initiative introduced by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the awards are aimed at driving the growth of the city’s cultural and artistic scene, by honouring the patrons who contribute to the various disciplines of the arts comprising performing arts, visual arts, film, and literature.

The awards honour their financial or in-kind contributions towards the arts, a statement from the Emirate’s dedicated authority for culture, arts, and heritage said.

Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general, Dubai Culture, said: “The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts Awards, is the first and only one of its kind initiative in the region honouring the patrons for their noble contribution to the arts and cultural sector. Through the third edition of the awards, we want to once again, shine the spotlight on these unsung heroes, whose commitment and passion for culture should be honoured.”

In its second cycle, the awards honoured 40 patrons for contributing over Dh130 million ($35.4 million) in financial or in-kind contribution towards the arts. This followed the first edition where 59 organisations and individuals were recognised for their financial and in-kind support of about Dh250 million ($68.07 million) from 2007 to 2009.

In 2010, Dubai witnessed a strong participation of the government sector in driving arts with the support extended by government departments increasing to 12 percent. Visual arts dominated the total patronage at nearly 51 percent followed by films at 33 percent, the statement said.

Performing arts recorded an increase to 11 percent of total contributions and literature received 5 percent, it said.

Potential patrons and beneficiaries can apply for the awards through the initiative’s dedicated website by February 15. All applications received must be for contributions made from January 1 through December 31, 2011. – TradeArabia News Service