A remarkable opportunity for contemporary artists!

In line with Ithra’s mission and vision, the Ithra Art Prize was created to enable talent and provide a high-level platform for contemporary artists. Supporting the Center’s efforts to foster cross-cultural engagement and as an international leader and supporter of contemporary art, the program invites artists from or residing in the Arab countries.

The 6^th Ithra Art Prize - special edition, Art in the Landscape, is presented in collaboration with Royal Commission For AlUla. The winner receives a monetary prize of $100,000 and an additional amount to produce and deliver the artwork, which becomes part of Ithra’s permanent art collection. The proposed artwork production cost should not exceed $400,000 which includes production, shipping, insurance, and project management costs. The winning artwork will be installed and unveiled in February 2024 at Alula Arts Festival for six weeks, then transported to Ithra.

By visiting the link to apply. Any application submitted elsewhere will not be considered.

No, there’s no registration fee.

The winning artwork will be installed and unveiled in February 2024 at Alula Arts Festival for six weeks, then transported to Ithra as it becomes part of its permanent art collection. The winning artwork will also be considered for exhibitions worldwide.

https://goo.gl/maps/3iwovKuJ9q4t9opr9

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

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.

Yes.

Yes.

No, applicants must be 18 years old and older..

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).

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: 

1. When displayed should not exceed (5 meters in height with a dig allowance of 50 cm)
2. Designed to transport easily
3. When dismantled can fit a container (h: 2.7 x w:2.4 x L:13.6)
4. 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.

Production timeline

• Ithra will support the artist(s) in production and fabrication of the artwork
• The proposal should include a production timeline that starts with the point of conceptualizing and research to the delivery of the artwork to AlUla by January 8, 2024.
   

No, the proposed artwork should not be ephemeral and the artist(s) needs to have in mind the conservation and durability of their work.

No, applicants are restricted to one proposal only. Applicants with multiple proposals will not be considered/or only one proposal will be considered.

Once the application is submitted, it cannot be altered.

No, once you submit your application you cannot make any edits

Applications will be reviewed by a jury of experts from the art world. The jury will select one winner who will be announced by October 19, 2023.

The winner receives a monetary prize of $100,000 and an additional amount to produce and deliver the artwork, which becomes part of Ithra’s permanent art collection. The proposed artwork production cost should not exceed $400,000 which includes production, shipping, insurance, and project management costs.