Dubai, UAE - The Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) has unveiled an open call for participation in the upcoming ‘Narratives of Belonging’ exhibition. The initiative seeks to honor professional Emirati artists, unearth talent across various arts and cultural domains, and provide support and encouragement for their creative endeavors. The exhibition aligns with Dubai Culture’s vision of fostering a sustainable artistic environment to bolster the city’s cultural and creative industries.

Emphasizing the importance of sustainability within the culture and arts sector, Dubai Culture invites both established and emerging Emirati artists, practitioners, and designers to showcase their creative expressions across a wide range of mediums. These include visual arts, drawing, sculpture, photography, design, calligraphy, and multimedia. Participants are encouraged to delve into storytelling themes, focusing on concepts such as collectivism, cultural heritage, and the exploration of traditions, values, and identity. Their artworks should embody their unique ideas, visions, artistic trends, and personal narratives.

Applications for participation will be accepted until 1 June. Following the submission deadline, a specialized committee comprising experts, artists, and practitioners will evaluate the artworks to select participants for the exhibition. The showcase will take place at the Al Safa Art and Design Library.

Through this open call, Dubai Culture provides Emirati artists and practitioners specializing in visual, digital, literary, and design arts with a platform to display their diverse artistic perspectives inspired by the exhibition’s theme. Whether working individually or collaboratively, participants are encouraged to submit one or more original artworks that reflect the exhibition’s themes and highlight the importance of storytelling in the cultural and artistic realms. Submitted works should be original, contemporary, and previously unexhibited, while also respecting local cultural traditions and values.