Dubai’s Ellington Properties commissions art competition to support local talent

Ellington Art Foundation, an initiative by Dubai’s property developer Ellington Properties, has announced a new nationwide art competition to support emerging artists in the UAE.

The initiative, under the theme ‘The Art of The Silk Road, has been launched in line with the art foundation’s goal of supporting the nation’s goal to be a global centre for art and design.

The competition will offer homegrown talent an opportunity to showcase their creative work at one of Ellington’s residential projects, Wilton Terraces. The contest is open to all UAE residents aged 18 and over.

Robert Booth, managing director, Ellington Properties, said: “The Wilton Terrace Art Competition highlights our commitment to support and empower the UAE’s art community. We offer local upcoming and striving artists an avenue to showcase their creativity and join the league of featured artists by the Ellington Art Foundation at our communities. Our exceptionally designed residential developments deliver the finest in every aspect of life, and Wilton Terraces will serve as an ideal venue to exhibit award-winning art.”

“We believe art enhances living spaces and is fundamental for creating a vibrant living experience. By creating spaces that not only transcend the norm but also inspire a unique urban narrative, we craft environments that inspire residents. We will continue to work with local talent to deliver world-class residential destinations and set new benchmarks in the UAE’s property sector with our design-centric approach,” he added.

Artists, photographers and designers can submit their concepts for paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations that display the fusion of oriental and occidental cultures using neutral palette and earth tones.

Submissions are open until October 31, 2020 and entries will be reviewed by a panel of industry experts including Juan Roldan, AUS associate professor; Esra Lemmens, art director; Louise Duggan, art consultant; Robert Booth, managing director, Ellington Properties; and Laura Bielecki, senior interior design manager, Ellington Properties.

Ellington will award promising artists exhibiting space within Wilton Terraces, and monetary support from the foundation to craft the masterpieces.

Some of the art pieces produced and commissioned as part of earlier initiatives include Emirati artist, Khalid Shafar’s sculpture – Palm Bouquet in the reception lobby of Belgravia, Hamama, a suspended art installation created by design students of the American University of Sharjah in Belgravia II and ‘V’, a wooden wall sculpture by Nour Daou in Eaton.