Creativity, technique and stylistic uniqueness key criteria in jury's evaluation of Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award

Government of Dubai Media Office – 2 March 2017

The jury of the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award will be looking for exceptional creativity, technique and style in its evaluation of the 25 artworks shortlisted for the Award.  The shortlisted works are being displayed at the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Festival 2017, which began in City Walk on Sunday.

The Award and Festival are organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with Meraas, one of Dubai’s leading holding companies.

Members of the Award jury panel include Mona bin Kalli, Director of HH Sheikha Manal Cultural Office; Pablo Del Val, International Director of Art Dubai; Mohammed Saeed Al Hareb, creator of the popular animated Emirati TV series FREEJ and Chairman of Lammtara Art Production; Dr. Nazneen Shafi, the Executive Director of Engage ME; and Mike Kothuis, Co-Founder of the World Street Painting Festival.

Director of Brand Dubai Maitha Buhumaid said: “The jury is composed of prominent personalities in Dubai’s cultural scene including leading creative pioneers, heads of leading cultural organisations and art curators. Their experience and expertise make them ideal members of the jury panel for this Award. Considering the high quality of art on display at the Festival, the jury members have a challenging job in selecting the winners. The artists shortlisted for the Award are some of the most innovative 3D artists in the world, many of whom have pioneered unique and influential techniques and artistic approaches. Ultimately, the jury will be choosing artworks that stand out for their exceptional creativity, technique and style.”

Member of the jury Mona bin Kalli is the official spokesperson for a number of initiatives and projects under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE. In this role, she has represented Her Highness’s message at many leading international art events. As Director of HH Sheikha Manal Cultural Office, her responsibilities include managing the local and international cultural initiatives and projects of HH Sheikha Manal.

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Mohammed Saeed Al Hareb was the creator and producer of FREEJ, a hugely popular Emirati 3D animated TV series that features caricatures of Emirati grandmothers. FREEJ was voted by Dubai One viewers as the number One TV show of 2006, 2007 and 2008, and the first season received the Special Country Award at the Hamburg Animation Awards in 2007. In 2015, he directed a chapter in Roger Allers’ animated Hollywood production of Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet. In 2013, he served as a creative consultant for Kanye West’s art film Cruel Summer.

Pablo del Val is an experienced curator and cultural manager and has acted as director for several cultural institutions all over the world. At ZONA MACO, Pablo oversaw the fair’s growth, both in terms of numbers and quality of gallery exhibitions, with increased participation from international as well as Mexican galleries. He was also the founding director of ‘La Conservera’ Center of Contemporary Art in Murcia, Spain, where he acted as Director from 2009 to 2012.

Dr. Nazneen Shafi, in a career spanning 25 years as a senior art and culture professional based in UAE, has worked in various capacities including Director for Art & Culture Strategic Development at the Dubai Women Establishment. In this role, she worked on pioneering projects like The Sheikha Manal Art Exchange Program and The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award.

Mike Kothuis is co-founder of the World Street Painting Festival in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Being active in the street art scene and working together with many renowned street artists gave Mike Kothuis the knowledge and expertise needed to be an advisor for prominent street painting projects and festivals. 

The Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award is the world’s first award that recognises excellence in 3D art. The artists shortlisted for the first edition of the Award are competing with each other to win AED2.3 million worth of prizemoney. Three winners will be honoured at a ceremony to be held at the Dubai Canvas Festival. There will also be a ‘People’s Choice’ award based on votes from the public.

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© Press Release 2017