In a significant move to bolster the cultural and creative sectors, the Ministry of Culture has unveiled the beneficiaries of the National Grant Programme for Culture and Creativity – Cycle 2, launched in August 2023.
A substantial AED 3,296,300 has been allocated to support 43 Emirati talents across diverse cultural and creative fields.
The programme is designed to affirm the UAE’s dedication to nurturing its cultural and creative economy by investing in individuals pivotal to its growth. The second cycle of the programme experienced a notable surge in applications, particularly from projects aligned with sustainable development goals, highlighting an increased quality and diversity in submissions.
The selected beneficiaries span four categories: Creation and Production, Promotion and Local Participation, Capacity Development, and International Travel and Mobility. Recipients include talents from various fields such as writing, film and television, music, visual arts, design, performing arts, cultural heritage, and video games.
Key awardees in the Creation and Production category include Jumairi, Sheikha Al Mazrou, Jumana Al Hashemi, Asma Balhamar, and Moza Al Matroushi in visual arts and design. Amina Al Jarman Al Ali was honored in the International Travel and Mobility category, while Shahad Al Kaabi, Aisha Al Hammadi, and Muhammad Al Suwaidi received grants for Capacity Development.
In music, grants were awarded to Arqam Al Abri, Ihab Darwish, Mansour Al Hira, and Hamad Al Taie for Creation and Production, with Nada Al Aidaroos recognized in Capacity Development. Film and television recipients include Iman Al Sayed and Nayla Al Khaja, among others.
Writing and Publishing saw grants given to Salem Al Suwaidi, Sarah Al Muhairi, and others. The Promotion and Local Participation category honored Mohammed Al Habsi and Maryam Juma, while Performing Arts and Theatre recipients included Sheikha Sarah Al Qasimi and Samir Al Balushi.
Cultural heritage grants were awarded to Amna Al Shamsi, Maha Al Neyadi, and Amna Al Qubaisi, with Hamad Khoury recognized in video games.
Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, expressed pride in the exceptional skills and creativity of the awardees, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to supporting the nation’s dynamic cultural landscape.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
