NBF ART PRIZE 2024 - Don't miss the NBF Art Exhibition at Fujairah Cultural Center

About NBF

National Bank of Fujairah is one of the most well-respected corporate banks in the UAE and is renowned for its award-winning services. NBF offers a wide range of banking and financial services, while maintaining a strong commitment to social responsibility and current global issues. This philosophy inspired the NBF Art Prize, which celebrates the nation’s emerging art scene while also serving as a platform to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and instill a sense of responsibility within our society.

This nationwide initiative invites artists to share their artistic expression and unique perspective in the form of artwork in response to a compelling theme or topic. NBF believes that art has the power to inspire significant changes in the world.

Learn more

Art as a medium for change

This competition forms part of our commitment to ESG (Environmental Social and Governance) principles, by empowering the nation’s emerging art scene. NBF believes in the transformative power of art and its ability to start conversations and inspire change. Through this initiative, we aim to nurture the UAE’s creative industry and inspire collective action towards a better future.

By promoting the nation's emerging art scene, we are demonstrating our commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values. NBF believes in the transformational power of art, as well as its potential to spark dialogue and promote change. We hope to nurture the UAE's creative industry and encourage collaborative action toward a brighter future through this effort.

Many

OnePaths

Destination

Intersecting journeys, but united in purpose.

The theme for NBF Art 2024 was 'Many Paths. One Destination.' In a world where every individual's path is as unique as their fingerprint, we find ourselves on a myriad of paths, each carved by our distinct experiences, cultures, and dreams. Yet, despite the diversity of our journeys, we are all guided by a shared compass that points to a common destination—a future where we prosper together in harmony with all living beings.

We are a tapestry of lives, interwoven by our aspirations to thrive as one, to nurture the world we inhabit, and to celebrate the richness that each unique strand brings to the greater whole.

Intersecting journeys, but united in purpose, this is the essence of our existence. As we navigate the terrain of life, we leave footprints for others to follow, and in turn, we tread the paths they have laid before us.

Together, we move forward in prosperity for all.

It's a journey of collaboration and belief in the power of unity within diversity.

Guidelines

Who can apply

The NBF Art Prize welcomed applications from all emerging artists who were 18 years of age or older and residents of the UAE. A valid UAE Emirates ID was required to claim the prize.

Artists used the theme as a guide

Artists showcased their artwork, using the theme as a starting point. The theme for NBF Art Prize 2024 was centered around the concept of 'Many Paths. One Destination.' to inspire new perspectives and promote unity and collaboration.

What to submit

Artists shared their unique perspectives in the medium of their choice, including:

Painting
Sculpture
Drawing
Digital art

How to enter

Artists submitted their artworks by filling out the submission form. All required fields had to be completed to successfully submit artwork for the NBF Art Prize 2024. Submissions closed on November 23, 2024.

Artwork evaluation

The Selection Committee guaranteed that all entries were evaluated fairly by carefully reviewing and scoring them based on predefined technical criteria. From this process, the top fifty (50) finalists were shortlisted. The top three winning artists had the opportunity to engage in individual mentorship sessions with the distinguished judges, who are well-known figures in the UAE Art community.

Prizes & Recognitions

Artists unlocked their artistic potential and competed for incredible rewards, exclusive mentorship, and recognition in the world of creativity!

1^st Place: AED 10,000
2^nd Place: AED 5,000
3^rd Place: AED 3,000
Fujairah Artist Category: AED 5,000
Exclusively awarded to an outstanding artist from Fujairah.

The top 3 winning artists receive a mentoring session with the esteemed judges.
The top 50 artworks are displayed at a renowned art venue and also featured on the NBF website.
The top 15 creative artworks receive the 'Most Creative Artwork of the Year' certificate, endorsed by the judges.

Judges of
NBF Art 2024

Patricia Millns FRSA

Artist, Advisor Creative Industries

Patricia Millns is an artist, advisor, and mentor with degrees in Fine Art and an MA in Art and Design History. Elected Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts London (FRSA) and a member of IAPA and UNESCO. With a studio established in the Middle East for four decades, her practice, rooted in the study of Islamic arts, explores cultural significance and identity through a meditative, repetitive, minimal approach.

She is also an Elected Societaire of the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA) and serves as an Ambassador for Dubai Design District. Her accolades include the UAE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 and the UAE Gold Visa for Services to Arts and Culture in 2019.

She has represented the UK at the United Nations (UN) in New York, at Women of the World events, and at Biennials in Beijing, China; Sharjah; Cairo; and Syria. Additionally, she was commissioned by the British Council for the UAE State Visit of late HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Her works are held in private collections both regionally and internationally.

Khalil Abdul Wahid

Director, Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority

Khalil Abdul Wahid is a renowned artist who began his artistic career under the tutelage of the late Emirati artist Hassan Sharif at Al Marsam Al Hur, an atelier established by Sharif in the 1980s. Inspired by this privileged learning experience, Khalil committed to developing his own practice while also passing on his knowledge to the next generation through teaching roles in the atelier.

He has exhibited his work in group shows both locally and internationally, including prominent events such as FotoFest International's 'View From Inside' and the National Museum of Denmark's 'Sharjah: Art from the Emirates'. Khalil has also contributed to the annual exhibitions organized by the Emirates Fine Arts Society.

Currently, he serves as the Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, where he is actively involved in diverse projects that cultivate the UAE’s artistic community. Though his dedication to education and artistic development has often taken precedence over his personal practice, he continues to pursue two distinct artistic paths: painting, characterized by strong colors on dark backgrounds, and experimental video works that express cultural and environmental themes.

Nujoom Alghanem

Founder at Nahar Productions, Film Director, Artist, Poet & Consultant

Nujoom Alghanem is an Emirati visual artist, poet, and multi-award-winning film director. She has published eleven poetry collections and produced over twenty films, spanning fiction, non-fiction, and art genres. Her works have garnered recognition with numerous local, regional, and international accolades. In addition to her roles as a regional art and film consultant, she serves as a professional trainer and mentor in art, filmmaking, and creative writing. Nujoom is renowned for her versatile expertise and profound contributions to the arts and film movement. She embarked on her professional journey in the early 1980s, emerging as one of the pioneering artists who adeptly integrated various forms and media into her work.

In 2019, she was the solo artist of the UAE National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

In 2017, she was one of five artists who participated in the exhibition of the UAE National Pavilion at the same Biennale.

She holds a master's degree in film production from Griffith University in Australia, and a bachelor’s degree in video production from Ohio University in the United States, with a special focus on art and theater.

Ahmad Alrashid

Programming and Events Operations Manager, Al Shindagha Museum, Dubai

Ahmad is an emerging gallerist, curator, and creative manager who has made significant contributions to the art scene in the UAE in a very short time. As the host of the Talkative With Ahmad creative podcast, he brings his expertise and passion for art to a wider audience. With a diverse background in gallery direction, curation of highly praised exhibitions, and creative entrepreneurship, Ahmad has accumulated a wealth of experience in the realms of brand management, luxury, and art.

His journey has taken him across various international art hubs, including Kuwait, Milan, Italy, Amsterdam, London, and Dubai. In each of these cities, he has left his mark through his innovative approach to showcasing and promoting art. As a gallerist, Ahmad has demonstrated a keen eye for talent, curating exhibitions that captivate audiences and push boundaries.

Our winners - 2024

Scroll through our gallery to view artwork from some of our previous talented winners

NBF Art

Artist Testimonials

Discover the diverse world of artistry as our talented artists share their NBF ART journey, spanning a wide range of creative mediums. Get inspired by their stories, passion, and dedication.