Now being held for the fourth continuous year, the Noon Arts Award is welcoming submissions. Directed by the Collage Talent Center at the Sharjah Ladies Club, this prestigious honour is given to UAE-based female artists who are working in the fields of painting, photography, and digital artworks.

Because I Can

This year's theme is the phrase because I can, chosen in the identification of the tough times the global community has existed through as a consequence of Covid-19.

The artworks submitted need to showcase the positive impact the artist has made through supporting, encouraging or giving hope to others, or crushing obstacles and challenges in their own lives.

Fatima Alnaqbi, College Assistant Manager at Sharjah Ladies Club said: This year the Noon Arts Awards are all about appreciating those who have made a positive impact on the world around them.

We want to honour both womens art and the power of humanity, their strength to give the light of hope to others who are suffering.

Because I can is a timeless phrase. Its about empowerment and helping society, and we cant wait to see how this expression encourages the female artists of the UAE.

Open for Submissions

Submissions will be accepted until October. The contest is open to all female artists based in the UAE and who are over the age of eighteen.

Paintings, photographs, and digital artworks will all be admitted and judged on their adherence to the theme and the skill and enthusiasm they carry.

The first-place winner will receive a prize of AED 7,000, with second place earning AED 5,000 and third place being awarded AED 3,000.

There will also be a Peoples Choice category, with the champion artist receiving a prize of AED 2,000.

A Digital-Only Event

While this years contest will be held remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing, this is the first time the entire event will be held online.

The virtual presentation will allow people from across the region to see the artworks from the safety of their own homes, while the awards ceremony itself will be live-streamed to avoid people interacting.