Competition aims to highlight and encourage individual actions to help protect the planet, through the medium of art

18 July 2022: National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2022 Art Competition. Under the theme “It All Starts With Me!”, the competition is open for submissions from all adult artists based in the UAE. 

The competition theme emphasises the positive impact of individual actions when worked together, leading to a massive change in contributing towards safeguarding our planet Earth. The artworks can be submitted in the form of drawings, paintings, digital art, or sculpture, and should link to the theme of sustainability, and the role that each one of us can play in tackling climate change and conserving the natural environment.

The NBF Art Competition, which began in 2021 and received almost 200 entries, is a milestone initiative aimed at contributing to and enhancing the UAE’s emerging art scene. 

Vince Cook, CEO of NBF commented: “This year’s art competition aligns perfectly with NBF’s Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) agenda, by both supporting the UAE’s burgeoning artistic community, as well as putting the spotlight on ways of reducing our environmental impact and operating in a more sustainable way. Last year’s inaugural competition was a great success, and we are looking forward to the creative ways the UAE’s artists interpret and express this year’s theme.”

With the support from distinguished figures from the UAE art world, this year’s Selection Committee is composed of Patricia Millns FRSA; Khalil Abdulwahid, Director – Fine Arts, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mara Firetti, CEO, Founder and Curator, Firetti Contemporary Gallery; Ahmad Al Rashid, Founder and Director, TALK Curated Creative Events; and Slava Noor, Founder and Editor of Arte&Lusso magazine. 

Following the closing date for submissions on August 30th, the Selection Committee will review and score entries based on pre-defined technical criteria, before shortlisting the best ten entries. The ten finalists’ artworks will be displayed at the Capital Club, DIFC, on September 22nd, with the top three to be announced at a ceremony at the Club on the same day. 

In addition to a cash prize, the top three winning artists will receive a one-on-one mentoring session from a renowned art advisor. All ten shortlisted artworks will also be displayed at a later stage across NBF’s main offices in the UAE.