Organizer Information
Presented by New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), this award was established in 2012. It honors the legacy of the world-renowned artists Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude, who were famous for their large-scale, temporary environmental installations. The program is produced in collaboration with The NYUAD Art Gallery and operates under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan. It serves as a professional launchpad, taking artists from the initial proposal through a rigorous production process to a high-profile public exhibition.
Title & Description
The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2026
This annual award challenges emerging artists to "think big" by proposing a major piece of public art. Inspired by Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s spirit of ambition and public engagement, the award supports the creation of works that are durable, safe, and capable of being exhibited outdoors. The program is more than a grant; it is a professional apprenticeship where winners work with a skilled team of curators, registrars, and media experts at The NYUAD Art Gallery to realize their vision over a six-to-eight-month production period.
Categories
- Public Art & Installation: Including Sculpture, Land Art, and Multimedia Installations.
- Mixed Media: Photography, Film, Painting, and Illustration (provided they are conceived for a public, outdoor context).
Eligibility
- UAE-Based: Applicants must be current residents of the United Arab Emirates.
- Academic Status: Open to full-time degree students currently enrolled in a UAE university/college OR alumni who have graduated from a UAE institution within the last five years.
- Mentorship: All applicants must apply with the support of a mentor (a faculty member or a professional in the field) who commits to guiding the artist through the production and exhibition phases.
- Teams: Collaborative applications are welcome.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Production Grant: USD 10,000 (approx. AED 36,730) to realize the proposed artwork.
- Exhibition Tour: The winning work will be premiered at Abu Dhabi Art and subsequently exhibited at NYU Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Emarat Park in November/December 2026.
- Professional Support: Access to the NYUAD Art Gallery’s technical and curatorial expertise, including a museum registrar and PR team.
- Artist Fee: While the $10,000 is for production, the award provides significant career visibility and entry into an elite network of alumni.
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Project Proposal: A detailed description of the concept and its connection to the spirit of Christo and Jeanne-Claude.
- Detailed Budget: Using the official budget form to show how the $10,000 will be allocated.
- Production Schedule: A realistic timeline for the 6-8 month creation period.
- Mentor Nomination: A letter or confirmation from your chosen mentor.
- Visual Support: PDF or JPG files (up to 5 documents) including sketches, 3D renders, or past work.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 January 2026
- Winner Announcement: Typically Spring 2026
- Exhibition Dates: November – December 2026
Location
Abu Dhabi, UAE
Additional Details
The selection committee looks for "feasibility" alongside "originality." Since the work will be shown in public spaces like Umm Al Emarat Park, the proposal must explicitly address how the work will withstand environmental elements (sun, wind, rain) and ensure public safety.