Ellington Art Foundation, an initiative by property developer Ellington Properties, has announced a new nationwide art competition under the theme ‘The Art of The Silk Road’, to support aspiring and emerging artists in the UAE with commissioned pieces.

The initiative has been launched in line with the art foundation’s goal of promoting the UAE’s creative scene and supporting the nation’s goal to be a global centre for art and design.

Aimed at fostering local artists, the competition will offer homegrown talent an opportunity to elevate their visibility in the art sector by showcasing their creative work at one of Ellington’s award-winning residential projects, Wilton Terraces. The contest is open to all UAE residents aged 18 and over.

Robert Booth, managing director, Ellington Properties, said: “The Wilton Terrace Art Competition highlights our commitment to support and empower the UAE’s art community. We offer local upcoming and striving artists an avenue to showcase their creativity and join the league of featured artists by the Ellington Art Foundation at our communities. Our exceptionally designed residential developments deliver the finest in every aspect of life, and Wilton Terraces will serve as an ideal venue to exhibit award-winning art.”

Artists, photographers and designers can submit their concepts for paintings, photographs, sculptures and installations that display the fusion of oriental and occidental cultures using neutral palette and earth tones. Submissions are open until October 31, 2020 and entries will be reviewed by a panel of seasoned industry experts.

Ellington will award promising artists a premium exhibiting space within their stunning residential development, Wilton Terraces, in addition to monetary support from Ellington Art Foundation to craft the masterpieces.

Some of the art installations and pieces produced and commissioned as part of earlier initiatives include Emirati artist, Khalid Shafar’s sculpture – Palm Bouquet in the reception lobby of Belgravia, Hamama, a suspended art installation created by design students of the American University of Sharjah in Belgravia II and ‘V’, a wooden wall sculpture by Nour Daou in Eaton Place.