The Ithra Art Prize, one of the most esteemed art accolades in the Arab world, has officially opened its doors for the submission of works for its seventh edition. Organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, more commonly known as Ithra, this biennial competition offers an enticing grant of 0,000 to a distinguished artist whose work demonstrates exceptional creativity and cultural significance. Notably, this year’s edition promises to expand its offerings, enhancing the prize’s role as a vital platform for artistic expression in the Arab region.
Since its inception in 2017, the Ithra Art Prize has grown exponentially in both prestige and scope. Initially focused on showcasing the talents of Saudi artists, it has expanded to encompass participants from all 22 Arab nations, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and the celebration of diverse artistic voices. The winning piece is not merely rewarded with financial support; it also secures a permanent place within Ithra’s artistic collection, creating a lasting legacy for the artist while simultaneously contributing to the rich tapestry of contemporary Arab art.
In an unprecedented expansion, this year’s competition introduces production grants for five finalists, an initiative aimed at fostering artistic development and collaboration within the Arab art scene. Each finalist will create new artwork for a collective exhibition at Ithra, scheduled for the spring of 2026, with the ultimate winner being unveiled during this highly anticipated event. This establishment of a communal platform highlights Ithra’s dedication to nurturing emerging talent and fostering dialogue among artists.
Farah Abushullaih, the Head of Ithra’s Museum, articulated the significance of the prize, stating, “The Ithra Art Prize supports artists who engage creatively and critically with conditions and ideas that speak to the diverse contexts of our region. The 7th Edition marks a homecoming that expands the Prize’s scope through an exhibition at Ithra featuring multiple works in dialogue with one another.” This emphasis on conceptual depth and cultural relevance attests to Ithra’s mission of enriching and diversifying the artistic narrative within the Arab world.
The prize invites artists and collectives aged 18 years or older, who have Arab heritage or are currently residing in Arab countries, to submit their works. Both new commissions and existing pieces that can be effectively recontextualized are welcome, underscoring the prize’s commitment to fostering long-term artistic inquiry. The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2025, with the totality of the 0,000 grant awarded to the winning artist to realize their artistic vision.
The unveiling of the final work and the culmination of this artistic venture are set to take place in spring 2026 at Ithra’s iconic cultural center in Dhahran. This location has become a beacon of cultural innovation and artistic celebration in Saudi Arabia, providing a vital platform for regional artists to exhibit their talents on both local and international stages.
Over the years, the Ithra Art Prize has facilitated the emergence of several notable artists, including Ayman Zedani, whose work “Mem” won the inaugural prize in 2018, and Nadia Kaabi-Linke, whose poignant explorations of identity have garnered international acclaim. The most recent winner, Obaid Alsafi, showcased his compelling piece, “Palms in Eternal Embrace,” during the prestigious AlUla Arts Festival in 2024. These artists represent a mere sample of the varied talents that the Ithra Art Prize has helped to cultivate, facilitating their engagement in global conversations surrounding contemporary Arab art.
The Ithra Art Prize not only serves as a commendable initiative aimed at recognizing and rewarding artistic excellence, but it also plays a crucial role in the dialogue about Arab contemporary art on the global stage. As it continues to evolve and expand its reach, it reinforces the importance of fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic art ecosystem within the region.
For artists and art lovers alike, submissions for this prestigious prize can be made via the Ithra website at www.ithra.com.
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