Short Description

What sets worlds in motion is the interplay of differences, their attractions and repulsions. Life is plurality, death is uniformity. By suppressing differences and peculiarities, by eliminating different civilizations and cultures, progress weakens life and favors death.” Octavio Paz’s profound words remind us that the rich diversity of human civilizations is not merely to be preserved but celebrated.

For the Ras Al Khaimah Art 2026 Festival, we invite you to explore the grand narrative of Civilizations ─ both as relics of our shared past and as living, breathing frameworks that continue to shape our present and future. It is through the intertwining of countless human decisions, innovations, and exchanges that civilization continuously evolves ─ a process spanning millennia that has given rise to extraordinary achievements in art, architecture, philosophy, science, and governance.

From the ancient Silk Road routes that once connected Ras Al Khaimah to distant shores, to the modern metropolises that now define our global landscape, Civilizations examines how artistic expression has flourished in every human community. The 2026 Festival seeks to celebrate both the magnificent diversity of human cultural expression and the universal aspirations that bind us together. From ancient wisdom to contemporary visions, from technological marvels to sustainable practices, from individual experiences to collective memories ─ we ask you to consider: What endures when civilizations meet and merge? What falls away? And most importantly, what new forms of art, beauty and understanding emerge from this continuous dialogue?

Join us in exploring the infinite ways Civilizations manifest through art, for as Margaret Atwood reminds us, “When any civilization is dust and ashes . . . art is all that’s left over.”

Categories & Application:

  1. The Visual Arts category encompasses drawings, photography, mixed media and digital arts, to be submitted as high-resolution photographs adhering to the specified requirements below.
  2. Artists may submit up to three digital art files for consideration, ensuring thematic coherence if submitting multiple files as part of the same series. Unrelated art files will not be considered.

Visual Arts Awards

  • 1st Place | 5,000 AED cash prize and trophy
  • 2nd Place | 2,500 AED cash prize and trophy
  1. This category encompasses three sub-categories:
    • Sculpture: Submissions can be crafted from any new materials and should be capable of standing unsupported.
    • Recycled Art: Submissions must be composed of at least 75% recycled materials and should also stand unsupported. Entries must be accompanied by a comprehensive list detailing all materials used and their respective sources.
    • Installation: Submissions should be immersive, three-dimensional works that transform the exhibition space. Installations can encompass a wide range of materials and concepts, but they must be able to be safely installed and de-installed within the exhibition venue.
  1. All sculptures and installations will be exhibited outdoors, exposed to the elements. Only works that can withstand such conditions without risking damage should be submitted.
  2. Sculpture and installation art are visual mediums, so including photos is crucial! We encourage artists to submit multiple photos to effectively convey the essence of their work.
  3. Any pedestals or special display structures required for the sculpture or installation should be clearly depicted in the uploaded submission photos.
  4. Artists whose sculptures or installations are selected for inclusion in the 2025 Festival will be responsible for transporting both the artwork and any display stands or installation equipment to and from the exhibition venue.

Sculpture & Installation Awards

  • 1st Place | 5,000 AED cash prize and trophy
  • 2nd Place | 2,500 AED cash prize and trophy

Films will only be accepted under the following categories, providing a diverse range of cinematic experiences for festival attendees:
– Narrative
– Documentary
– Animation

Submitted films must have been completed after February 2023, ensuring a fresh and contemporary selection for the festival audience.

Film submissions are accepted exclusively online through FilmFreeway.

To be considered, entries must be complete, including a film poster, synopsis, director’s bio, and director’s statement, offering comprehensive insight into the creative process behind the film.

It is a must to ensure that the screener on FilmFreeway is functional and correctly password-protected, if applicable, to facilitate seamless viewing by the selection committee.

  1. Students in grades K-12 are eligible to submit one work under this category.
  2.  If students decide to submit work in this category, they should not submit additional work under any other category. Students who wish to submit multiple works across categories should not apply as a student and should submit directly through the main Fine Art & Photography, Sculpture, and Film categories instead.
  3. Students are encouraged to submit original artwork. If another piece of art has inspired the submitted artwork, this must be noted on the submission form, and the original artist must be recognized.
  4. Student submissions may be made by individual students or by schools. Schools wishing to submit works by multiple students should contact submissions@rakart.ae for the group entry form.
  5. Students must provide their school’s name and year/level on the submission form.
  6. The student category welcomes fine art & photography, sculpture, and film submissions.
  7. Student fine art & photography submissions should follow the Fine Art & Photography Guidelines.
  8. Student sculpture submissions should follow the Sculpture Guidelines and meet the criteria for one of the sub-categories (Sculpture, Recycled Art).
  9. Student film submissions should follow the Film Guidelines and meet the criteria for one of the sub-categories (Animation, Documentary, Narrative).

Students Awards

  • 1st Place | 2,000 AED cash prize and trophy
  • 2nd Place | 1,000 AED cash prize and trophy

Entry Fee

None

Location

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Timeline

  • Application Deadline: 31 May 2025

Website Link: https://www.rakart.ae/2026-festival

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