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ADIHEX announces participation criteria for “Painting and Photography” contest

Deadline for applications: August 30


The Higher Organizing Committee of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) has launched a series of painting and photography competitions related to the theme of the exhibition, as part of the committee’s ongoing efforts to preserve local heritage, introduce the sports of our fathers and forefathers, contribute in the history of desert environment and wildlife, and highlight the prestigious position of falcons and horses in the region, as well as highlighting the important role that arts like painting and photography play in raising environmental awareness and documenting equestrianism and falconry and their strong connection to Arab history and civilization.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, the 18th edition of ADIHEX will be held from September 27 to October 3, 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The exhibition is organized by Emirates Falconers’ Club and officially sponsored by the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, the International Fund for Houbara Conservation, and Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Applications to participate in the contest will remain open until the 30th of August, and must be submitted via email to competitions@adihex.com . Valuable material and non-material prizes have been allocated for the winners who will be announced during ADIHEX, in addition to having their work shown at the event.

The “Best Painting” and  “Best Photograph” contests are open to painters and photographers from all over the world, each one including three categories - falconry, equestrian, and heritage, whereas the first three winners in each category will be honoured. Artists are allowed to participate in each category with one artistic work of their production in 2021, and must demonstrate a high level of creativity, excellence, and artistic style.

The Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee, His Excellency Majid Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, emphasised that ADIHEX is not only a remarkable international meeting place for manufacturers of hunting tools and weapons, enthusiasts of fishing and hunting trips, and those who are fond of falconry and equestrian, but ADIHEX is keen to feature art in a forum that brings together creators from different continents under one roof. This is particularly done through holding and developing ongoing art competitions. The "Arts and Crafts" sector is a very valuable platform that showcases the artistic works of talented Emirati, Arab and foreign artists. It provides a genuine opportunity for them to communicate with art enthusiasts about cultural heritage and human civilization.

Every artist may participate with up to three works; one in each of the categories. Priority should be for most recent works that are relevant to this year’s theme of 'Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration'.

Applicants to the best painting and photography contests must provide a brief biography of themselves, a general description of the pieces submitted, an introductory profile for each work and complete technical details, including the name of the work, size, materials used, and production year.  Applicants must also include photos of the submitted work, and a photograph of themselves.

All works, paintings and photographs must be framed and ready for display. Any work that is not ready for display will be rejected. Paintings must be no bigger than 150 x 100 cm. Photographs must be no bigger than 42 x 30 cm.

All nominated works will be inspected by the selection committee, which has the right to reject any work that is not relevant to the event and has the right to display or publish the works as it deems suitable.

ADIHEX hosts many artistic participations as exhibitors such as painting, sculpture, photography, carving, calligraphy and handicrafts. The corners and hallways of the exhibitions are adorned with paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other works of art that reflect the essence of the event and its content and embody history, heritage, and the environment of the past. These works are mostly derived from the customs and traditions of the region in general and the UAE in particular.

ADIHEX hosts visual artists, photographers, painters, calligraphers and art designers, in addition to local and international art galleries that showcase masterfully crafted artwork in a variety of techniques that express various schools of art, including realism, abstract and modern. Its themes revolve around the desert, marine environments, and hunting, with its issues and hardships.

ADIHEX management has provided the “Painting Content Guidelines” on the ADIHEX website, www.adihex.com, for those who are interested in participating. The management encourages artists to paint wildlife, especially falcons, horses, rabbits and other wild animals, including their natural habitats and the wild environment, as well as other topics related to the exhibition theme, "Sustainability and Heritage... A Reborn Aspiration". It also encourages artists to develop their artwork and paintings to contribute through their cultural message in representing the dangers threatening wildlife, while strengthening efforts to protect it.

- To participate in all competitions in ADIHEX 2021:

competitions@adihex.com