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Open Call for Submissions For Up To 200,000 USD Towards The Funding of New Work; Available to Artists Working in a Range of Media

http://www.sharjahart.org

The Sharjah Art Foundation announces the continuation of its prestigious Production Programme offering up to 200,000 USD in production grants to artists working in a wide range of media. The Foundation announces an Open Call for Submissions and invites applications for the funding of new work from artists working in a range of media including sculpture, installation, time-based media, artist publications, and performance. The aim of this programme is to encourage innovative and ambitious projects and to provide artists with a platform for experimentation. Selected projects will be developed and produced by the artist and Sharjah Art Foundation. The deadline for submission is February 24, 2012. All applications will be reviewed by a distinguished jury and selections will be announced in March during the Foundation's annual March Meeting (March 17–19, 2012)—a three-day symposium of artists, art professionals, and institutions from around the world who will gather in Sharjah to address this year's topic of artist residencies and commissions with a specific focus on the MENASA region.

Originally launched in 2008 in support of the Sharjah Biennial, the Sharjah Art Foundation later incorporated the Production Programme as one of its core initiatives in 2010. Recipients of the Foundation's 2012 Production Programme grants will join a list of distinguished artists whose work has been funded by the Foundation including Bani Abidi and CAMP, whose SAF commissioned projects will be first premiered at Documenta 13 in Kassel, Germany in June 2012.

Sharjah Art Foundation President Hoor Al-Qasimi stated, "The support of artists and art production is one of the most important missions of the Sharjah Art Foundation. We hope this initiative will contribute to the cultural landscape by providing opportunities for artists both locally and internationally. We look forward to receiving proposals from different parts of the world and working with the artists selected."

About the Production Programme
The Sharjah Art Foundation Production Programme broadens the possibilities for the production of art in the MENASA region through a commitment to support innovation and excellence in artistic practice by encouraging risk and experimentation. This commitment places artists at the core of the Foundation's mission by offering grants and professional support for the realisation of projects selected from an open call for proposals.

The past decade has seen an extraordinary rise in artistic activity throughout the Middle East, resulting in an increased visibility for artists both regionally and internationally. Within this context, the Foundation hopes to promote and encourage an environment of public and private patronage for the highest level of artistic endeavour.

Art practitioners are invited to propose imaginative, ambitious and inspirational projects that will transform our understanding of what art is and how it can be experienced. With this initiative Sharjah Art Foundation hopes to engage and challenge the artists and audiences aesthetically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, politically or in ways new and unexpected.

For further information and applications please visit the www.sharjahart.org or contact productionprogramme@sharjahart.org

About the Sharjah Art Foundation:
Sharjah Art Foundation supports the flourishing arts environment in the Gulf by nurturing artistic opportunities and actively pursuing both a regional and international programme of cultural collaboration and exchange.

Sharjah Art Foundation builds on the pioneering role the Emirate of Sharjah has played in the artistic and cultural development of the Gulf region. Inspired by the cross-fertilization and rich cultural diversity of the Emirates, the Foundation provides both national and international leadership in the production and presentation of contemporary visual arts. Recognising the central and distinctive contribution that art makes to society, the Sharjah Art Foundation cultivates a spirit of research, experimentation and excellence while acting as a catalyst for collaboration and exchange within the Middle East and beyond.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sharjah Art Foundation, United Arab Emirates
Maitha Al Jassim
Public relations & media officer
Tel: +971-6-544-4113, ext. 25
E: maitha@sharjahart.org

FITZ & CO, New York
Concetta Duncan
Assistant Director
Tel: +1 212-627-1455 x 232
E: concetta@fitzandco.com
t +971 6 568 5050 | f +971 6 568 5800 | PO Box 19989 Sharjah, UAE

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