Dubai: On October 26, 2024, the UAE took center stage in the international art scene with the launch of the first-ever Artistic Luminary Awards, a prestigious celebration of artistic talent and cultural influence organized by Art4you Gallery. Hosted at the Ramee Dream Downtown, Dubai, this landmark event—the largest art and culture awards in the region—brought together artists, curators, and cultural pioneers from across the globe, firmly establishing the UAE as a rising global art hub. With over 60 awards presented to artists from 28 nationalities, the Artistic Luminary Awards was more than just an awards ceremony; it was a vibrant showcase of creativity, diversity, and unity within the art community.
The evening was nothing short of mesmerizing, beginning with a red-carpet welcome for VIP guests and industry influencers, followed by entry of the world-class artists and live interactive sessions with renowned artists. The awards honored an incredible range of talent across multiple disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, music, writers and cultural heritage. Notably, the event spotlighted emerging and established artists, celebrating their innovative contributions alongside established figures in the art world, creating a unique mix of fresh talent and seasoned expertise.
In recognition of their outstanding artistic contributions, a total of 60 awardees were honored. Standout artists included Vera Zhukova, Ritta Shoufan, Joy Najm, Andrew Scanlan, Thauheeda Thameem, Angelka Basheska, Merly Mathews, Akshita Lad, Elyazia Abdullatif, Noura Al Khyeli, Mouza Al Darmaki, Moosa Al Hayan, Khuloud Al Jabri, Mozhgan Afrisham, Nidhi Mathur, Vidhu Raghavan, Tatiana Lamiri, Rand Alkishtaini, Suaad Al Suwaidi, He Pengfei, Raisa Ambross, Mohammad Awad, Rheanne Louise, Ganga Prasad, Eade Junst, Polina Aitkulova, Anubha Kaw, Labiba Ferhat, Neethu George, Tamara Noori, Maria Komal Abie, Dr. Rasha Meaad, Yashi Khatanhar, Roa Al Madani, Eric Afranie, Mohammad Rabiei, Bini Menon, Yashi Khatanhar, Peter Farrington, each known for pushing boundaries within their respective genres. These awardees received accolades that celebrated their achievements across traditional and contemporary art forms. Special attention was also given to cultural awardees such as Abeer Abdullah, Hanan Al Nuaimi, Muhammad Yusuf, Harjyot Oberoi, Honey Bhaskaran, Kiara Kaur, Lara Tabet, and Violetta Kalita, whose works have played a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through art as Musician, Art Advocacy, Author, Voice of the Future, Art Writer, Media Excellence, Novelist and Film Maker.
The high point of the evening was the announcement of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, a segment honoring the legacy of three pioneering Emirati artists: Abdulqader Alrais, Khalil Abdulwahid, and Dr. Mohamed Yousif. These individuals have made monumental contributions to the UAE’s artistic landscape, inspiring generations of artists with their vision and creativity. Their lifelong dedication to the arts and ability to convey the beauty of Emirati culture through their work was met with thunderous applause, a testament to their lasting impact on the art community.
A distinctive feature of the event was the international presence, with attendees from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas lending a vibrant global perspective to the celebration. The Artistic Luminary Awards welcomed an array of VIPs and cultural ambassadors, including H.E. Yaqoob Al Ali, Hatem Khalil Al Sayegh, Ahmed Al Mahmoud, and Maktoum Al Marzooqi, whose presence underscored the event’s significance within the UAE’s evolving art scene. Other influential figures like H.E Yaqoob Al Ali, Hatem Khalil Al Sayegh, Ahmed Al Mahmoud, Khalil Abdulwahid, Abdulqader Alrais, Ahmed Saleh, Abdulrazzak Al Madani, Stefano Iorini, Bernadette Cha Eslais, and Maktoum Al Marzooqi also joined the evening’s festivities, enriching the event with their insights and shared passion for cultural growth.
The success of the event was made possible through the support of several prominent partners. Renad Events, Art Point, Wrapzone, Magical Stars, Blooming Blossoms, Vinlexe, Dnata Travel, and Monviso Water each played an integral role in bringing the Artistic Luminary Awards to life, providing resources that enhanced the overall guest experience. Their involvement highlights the growing support within the UAE for initiatives that promote and celebrate the arts, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as an emerging cultural leader.
Art4you Gallery, the driving force behind the event, worked closely with Renad Events and the IAC Foundation to create an atmosphere of inclusion and inspiration, celebrating the achievements of artists at all stages of their careers. Through the Artistic Luminary Awards, Art4you Gallery demonstrated its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression, supporting cultural dialogue, and nurturing emerging talent on a global scale. The event was not only a monumental moment for the UAE art scene but also a symbol of the unifying power of art in a world that continues to grapple with cultural and social challenges. As we celebrate our 9 years anniversary this year, this award embodies our commitment to honor creativity that resonates beyond the canvas, beyond the stage, and into the hearts of all who encounter it.
As the night concluded, attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for future editions of the awards. The Artistic Luminary Awards have set a new standard for art and culture events in the region, and with this inaugural success, Art4you Gallery continues its mission to spotlight the brilliance and transformative potential of art. For those looking to experience the future of art in the UAE and beyond, the Artistic Luminary Awards promise to be a beacon of creativity, inspiration, and innovation.
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