Sharjah Award for Critical Fine Arts Research 2026 with Prizes of Up to $8,000
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The Department of Culture of the Government of Sharjah has opened submissions for the 17th edition of the Sharjah Award for Critical Fine Arts Research 2026, one of the Arab awards and competitions specializing in art research and criticism. The award aims to support and encourage researchers and critics interested in fine and visual arts and to enrich the Arabic library with specialized critical studies.
The current edition is held under the theme “Architecture in Arab Visual Art: Perspectives and Approaches”, inviting researchers and critics to explore the relationship between architecture and the Arab visual arts experience through original critical and research studies that align with the themes and requirements set by the award.
Benefits
The award offers three cash prizes:
- First Place: USD 8,000.
- Second Place: USD 7,000.
- Third Place: USD 6,000.
- The Department of Culture will publish the winning research papers as part of its publications.
- Winners will be invited and hosted to attend the award ceremony.
- The award gives researchers the opportunity to publish their studies and reach an audience of critics, artists, and those interested in Arab art.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Be a researcher or critic interested in fine and visual arts.
- Submit a research paper related to the theme of the 17th edition: “Architecture in Arab Visual Art: Perspectives and Approaches.”
- Submit an original, publication-ready research paper.
- Ensure that the research has not been previously published or printed in a book.
- Ensure that the research has not won a similar award or competition.
- Submit no more than one research paper.
- Submit a paper of at least 50 A4 pages, with an average of approximately 250 words per page.
- Follow academic research methodology and properly document sources, references, and footnotes.
- Submit the research in Microsoft Word format.
- Include images and supporting visual materials in suitable quality when needed.
- Comply with all technical and organizational requirements set by the Sharjah Department of Culture.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the required documents and information in accordance with the award guidelines, including:
- The critical research paper in Word format.
- The researcher’s CV.
- The official award application form.
- A recent personal photograph.
- A copy of the passport.
- The applicant’s contact information.
- Any images or supporting visual materials related to the research, if applicable.