The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is currently accepting proposals that reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the Arab world for the 6th Ithra Art Prize. The theme for this year's special edition is “Art in the Landscape”; the organization is accepting proposals for site-specific outdoor installations and sculptural works.
A panel composed of representatives from Ithra and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), as well as artists, curators, academics, and art historians from around the world, will review proposals and select a winner. The winning artist will receive a $100,000 prize and have their work included in the 2024 AlUla Arts Festival. Ithra will also cover up to $400,000 in production, shipping, insurance, and project management costs to realize the artwork. The winning project will debut on February 8th, 2024, and be on view for six weeks at the AlUla Arts Festival. Afterward, the work will join Ithra's permanent collection.
To be considered, proposals must include a detailed artwork concept, including information about its medium, dimensions, and structural considerations; a budget; and a production timeline. Eligible projects must fit on the allotted 25-by-30-meter plot provided by the AlUla Arts Festival and cannot exceed a height of five meters or a weight of 500 kilograms per square meter. The artwork must be easily transportable, demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing local industry, and be able to withstand climatological effects with minimal maintenance (e.g., high temperatures, rain, wind, and erosion).
Contemporary artists and art collectives who are from or have been based in any of the Arab countries for more than ten years are invited to participate. The Arab countries include Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE, and Yemen.
