Aug 24, Ithra Art Prize for Contemporary Artists

Ithra Art Prize for Contemporary Artists

Ithra Art Prize is an annual leading art initiative launched in 2017 by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). The prize continues to extend its geographical reach to include established contemporary artists from or residing in the Arab countries.

The 6th Ithra Art Prize- special edition (Art in the Landscape) in collaboration with Royal Commission for AlUla calls artists to submit their proposals for a unique site-specific commission that reflects the Arab world’s cultural and natural heritage and presents the winner with a monetary prize of $100,000.

Ithra Art Prize also supports in the production and delivery of the artwork, which becomes part of Ithra’s permanent art collection. The winning artwork will be installed and unveiled in February 2024 as part of Alula Arts Festival.

Who can participate?

Contemporary artists and art collectives who are from or have been based in the Arab countries for more than ten years.

What are the Arab countries?

The Arab countries are Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen.

If I’m not part of the Arab countries but have lived for 10 years in one or more, can I apply?

Yes.

I come from one of the Arab countries but I live and work overseas, can I apply?

Yes.

Can I participate with a work that has been previously exhibited?

No, the proposal should be for a new, original work, exclusive for Ithra as per

listed criteria. Proposals should not be part of an existing series of work (same idea, concept and methodology).

What should the proposal include?

Participating artist(s) must submit the following to be considered for shortlisting then decided upon by the Jury panel:

A Detailed artwork concept

Proposed work should be a piece that is a unique site-specific commission that reflects the Arab world’s cultural and natural heritage

Proposal must include detailed supporting sketches, visuals and dimensions

Artwork Medium

Material proposed must show a commitment to prioritizing local industry, artisans and material in design development and fabrication of the work

Proposed work must be able to physically withstand effects of climate and environment including high temperatures, rain, wind, erosion, interaction with animal and bird life, and requires low maintenance.

Artwork Size, weight, and structural considerations. The proposed work:

Must conform to public access, health & safety requirements (non-toxic, no sharp edges, if requires electrical power then should comply with standards, etc.)

The artwork will be displayed in AlUla in a lot size 25 x 30 meters, then transported to Ithra.

Dimensions and weight of artwork:

When displayed should not exceed (5 meters in height with a dig allowance of 50 cm)

Designed to transport easily

When dismantled can fit a container (h: 2.7 x w:2.4 x L:13.6)

Weight should not exceed 500KG per square meter

Is considered a temporary work (in AlUla), must not leave a trace on-site or off-site once removed, and requires low maintenance and/ or operation

Should be realized with a commitment to minimizing carbon footprint of fabrication, transport and installation.

Includes its own energy source (if required)

Budget

Production, shipping, insurance and installation costs must not exceed $400,000

Includes a detailed breakdown of; production, shipping, insurance, delivery, installation and project management fees.

How to Apply

For more information and job application details, see; Ithra Art Prize for Contemporary Artists

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