Ellington Art Foundation, an initiative by Dubai’s leading design-led property developer Ellington Properties, has announced a new nationwide art competition under the theme ‘The Art of The Silk Road’, to support aspiring and emerging artists in the UAE with commissioned pieces.

The initiative has been launched in line with the art foundation’s goal of promoting the UAE’s creative scene and supporting the nation’s goal to be a global centre for art and design. 

Aimed at fostering local artists, the competition will offer homegrown talent an opportunity to elevate their visibility in the art sector by showcasing their creative work at one of Ellington’s award-winning 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.”

He added: “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.”

KHALID-Shafar-Palm-Bouquet-masterpiece-at-Belgravia
Palm Bouquet by KHALID Shafar

Artists, photographers and designers can submit their concepts for paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations that display the fusion of oriental and occidental cultures using a neutral palette and earth tones. Submissions are open until October 31, 2020, and entries will be reviewed by a panel of seasoned 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. For further details visit Ellington Art Foundation.

Ellington will award promising artists a premium exhibiting space within their stunning residential development, Wilton Terraces, in addition to monetary support from Ellington Art Foundation to craft the masterpieces.

From appointing art spaces as an avenue for art display to bringing together aspiring artists to showcase their art pieces that reflect culture and craftsmanship with contemporary design, Ellington Art Foundation is dedicated to showcasing the talents and works of local artists and photographers across Ellington’s residential projects.

Some of the art installations and 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 Place.