Dubai launches the largest grant program for creative practitioners worth 1.5 million dirhams

2026/06/08 9:32:48 PM

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DUBAI, 8 JUNE / WAM / Art Jameel Foundation, in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, announced the launch of the third edition of the artistic research and practices platform within the Creative Sector Immunity Portfolio, which was launched by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairwoman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, with the aim of enhancing the resilience of the cultural sector and raising its readiness to face challenges and rapid changes.

The initiative comes within the framework of efforts to support creative talents and competencies and consolidate the sustainability of the growth of the cultural sector as one of the main engines of Dubai’s creative economy, as the portfolio is based on five axes that include cultural infrastructure, creative production, participation, audience, talent development, and cultural impact.

The program is the largest of its kind in the country in the field of small grants for creative practitioners, as it provides total funding worth 1.5 million dirhams, distributed among 150 grants each worth 10,000 dirhams. It targets Emiratis and residents working in various cultural and creative disciplines, including visual arts, design, architecture, filmmaking, writing, music, performing arts, digital media, fashion, and crafts.

Shaima Rashid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Arts, Design and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, confirmed that the platform represents one of the practical paths that support the goals of the Creative Sector Immunity Portfolio and contributes to providing stimulating environments for creators and entrepreneurs and enabling them to benefit from financing opportunities, professional qualification, and expanding their creative projects.

For her part, Antonia Carver, Director of Art Jameel, said that the platform continues to develop in response to the transformations taking place in the cultural sector, stressing that investing in local creators and providing supportive environments for cooperation and care are the basis for sustaining cultural practices and enhancing their ability to keep pace with the future.

Receiving applications for the program begins from the eighth of June of this year until the thirty-first of next July, provided that the beneficiaries join a professional network that provides them with opportunities for guidance, development, and building partnerships in the cultural and creative sector in the country.