Dubai: H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has unveiled the 'Dubai Cultural Grant' programme, a landmark initiative aimed at advancing Dubai's cultural and arts sectors while providing substantial support to its creative communities.According to Emirates News Agency, the programme will distribute AED180 million in grants over the next decade, empowering local talent across various cultural and creative industries such as visual and fine arts, design, performing arts, culinary arts, public art, digital arts, literature, heritage, gaming, museology, and professional development. This year, the programme will offer 18 grants, totaling AED12 million, reinforcing Dubai's status as a global cultural hub.The announcement took place at an event organized by Dubai Culture at the Etihad Museum, attended by officials, partners, and creative talents, including Aisha Abdullah Miran, representatives of Alserkal Group, Art Jameel, and others. Sheikha Latifa emphasized Dubai's commitment to being a global center for cultural expression and innovation, a vision rooted in the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.Sheikha Latifa highlighted that the 'Dubai Cultural Grant' reflects Dubai's progressive outlook and steadfast support for the creative community, focusing on strengthening cultural and creative industries that drive the city's vibrant creative economy. She expressed confidence in the grant's impact on supporting the creative economy by providing transformative opportunities for artists, writers, intellectuals, and entrepreneurs.The programme's strategic framework was developed by participants from the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development's Impactful Leaders Programme, while its visual identity was crafted by Tamakan Studio. Initiatives under the programme include the Emirati Creatives in Venice Programme, the Etihad Museum Research Grant, the Emirati Chefs Grant, and the Talent Atelier programme, among others.Other initiatives supported by the grant include the Quoz Arts Fest, Dubai Design Week Grants, Art Dubai Grants, and the Maison and Objet UAE Designers Showcase Grant. These initiatives provide platforms for Emirati talent to gain international exposure and foster cross-cultural artistic exchange.Dubai Culture is also collaborating with the Emirates Literature Foundation to promote Emirati literature globally through the Exporting Local Literary Talent programme and the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Additionally, the programme supports music and theatre through partnerships with HOUSE OF PIANOS UAE, STEINWAY and SONS Dubai, Sandooq Al Watan, and Dubai National Theater.The Art + Tech Training Programme, part of the Sikka platform, equips artists with skills to integrate technology into their creative practice, contributing to the growth of Dubai's digital art scene.
