### UAE’s Ambitious Push in the Global Art Market
A new initiative emerging from the UAE government aims to position Dubai firmly within the competitive landscape of the global art market. Managed by Art Dubai, the **International Art Fairs Grant** seeks to empower local galleries by offering financial incentives, allowing them to participate in international art fairs with reduced costs.
### Funding Details
Launched earlier this year by the **Dubai Culture and Arts Authority**, the grant provides eligible galleries with support of up to 50% of their stand costs at international art fairs. This initiative is a game-changer for galleries in the region, particularly as they attempt to navigate the often pricey endeavors associated with showcasing their work on a global stage.
### Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this grant, galleries must be located in Dubai and represent either **Emirati artists** or those who have been based in Dubai for a minimum of three years. Encouragingly, the criteria also extend to digital galleries without a physical presence, broadening the scope of participation and innovation. After being accepted into a particular international fair, galleries can apply for funding, ensuring their representation aligns with the international art scene.
### A Boost for Local Talent
The objective behind this initiative is clear: increase exposure for local talent and solidify Dubai’s reputation as the preeminent hub for the regional art market. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, chief executive of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, emphasizes that this initiative will enhance the global profiles of local galleries and artists. He states, “We hope to elevate the profiles of our celebrated galleries and artists on an international platform while contributing to the global discourse on contemporary art.”
### A Welcome Initiative
Yasmin Atassi, director of the esteemed **Green Art Gallery**, articulates a shared sentiment among local galleries: “We are aware of this fund and we welcome it very much. Up until now, UAE-based galleries, unlike their international counterparts, had no national or government support they could apply for.” With plans to leverage this grant, she underlines the importance of the initiative in enabling galleries to showcase Emirati artists on an international scale.
### Voices from the Art Community
The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. Maliha Tabari, founder of **Tabari Artspace**, points out that this funding could rectify geographic biases that often skew representation at international fairs. “Fairs have long been skewed toward particular geographies—this fund is a push in the right direction,” she notes, asserting the UAE’s emerging role as a significant global art player.
William Lawrie from **Lawrie Shabibi** gallery also acknowledges the fund’s potential but adds a note of caution. He highlights that while participation fees may be manageable, the production and installation costs at major events like the **Frieze Sculpture** in London often pose greater challenges.
### Strengthening the Art Ecosystem
As Dubai continues to enhance its standing in global art circles, the International Art Fairs Grant represents a significant step toward a more supportive ecosystem for local galleries and artists. By easing financial burdens associated with international showcases, this initiative not only nurtures local talent but also allows Dubai to further solidify its position as a central player in the contemporary art landscape.
This effort not only aims to elevate the profiles of artists and galleries but also ignites broader conversations about contemporary art, fostering a richer cultural dialogue on a global scale.
