Terms & Conditions for The Art Circle Awards 2025
 

Conditions of Participation

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1. Participation in The Art Circle Award implies full acceptance of these rules. Participants must strictly comply at all times.

2. Theme: "Story of a Dot" – A Bauhaus-Inspired Painting Competition. Artists must explore design fundamentals through Bauhaus principles and Arab modernism.

3. Technique: Open to all pictorial techniques. No brand references or offensive content allowed. The Art Circle reserves the right to disqualify works that do not meet artistic, technical, or legal standards or that promote violence, discrimination, or insensitivity.

4. Each artist may submit one artwork, which must not have won an award in any other competition. Proof will be required via an affidavit in the registration form.

5. The artist's name, surname, and artwork title must be written on the back. The artwork may only be signed on the back—signatures on the front are not allowed.

6. The painting must be completed and ready at the time of submission.

7. Size: Each side must be between 40 cm and 80 cm.

8. Digital techniques are not accepted. Mixed media must specify materials used.

9. Framing: A simple wooden American-style frame is required (max 3 cm width, no glass or Plexiglas).

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Modalities of Participation

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1. Previous winners are not eligible for the 2025 edition.

2. Each participant may submit only one artwork.

3. Submission Deadline: September 7th, 2025 (subject to change by TAC).

4. Application Process: Participants must apply personally and submit: 

   • UAE ID (PDF format).

   • Artist bio (PDF format).

   • High-resolution image of the artwork (JPG format).

   • Title (optional).

   • Artwork dimensions (height x width).

   • Brief description (max 1,200 characters).

   • Portfolio of past works (optional, PDF format).

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Selection of Shortlisted Artworks

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1. A jury of art experts, including UAE institution directors, curators, and collectors, will review submissions based on the images provided.

2. Shortlisted artists will be notified by September 15th, 2025, and must submit their original artworks for a physical assessment.

3. Artists are responsible for properly wrapping and delivering their paintings to designated locations in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

4. Selection is at the jury’s discretion based on the outlined criteria.

5. The final shortlist will be publicly announced on the TAC website, and each artist will be notified.

6. Shortlisted artworks will be included in the exhibition.

7. If an artwork does not make the final exhibition, the artist must collect it before the exhibition opens.

8. Mandatory Attendance: Finalists must attend the exhibition opening. If the winner is absent, they will forfeit the award.

9. TAC takes the utmost care in handling artworks but is not liable for damage during transportation or exhibition.

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Selection of the Winning Artwork

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1. The jury will review all proposals.

2. One winning artwork will be selected from the final shortlist.

3. The winner will receive AED 20,000.

4. The jury’s decision is final.

5. The winning artwork will be unveiled at the exhibition opening on date to be confirmed announced soon.

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Evaluation Criteria

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• Conceptual Strength: How effectively does the artwork express the theme "Story of a Dot"?

• Bauhaus & Arab Modernist Influence: How well does the work embody Bauhaus principles and Arab abstraction?

• Composition & Design: Balance, structure, and visual harmony.

• Material & Technique: Innovation and technical skill.

• Originality & Expression: Unique interpretation of the theme.

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Ownership of the Winning Artwork

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1. The winning artwork becomes the property of The Art Circle (TAC) once the jury's decision is announced.

2. TAC may use the artwork for marketing, always crediting the artist.

3. TAC will reproduce the artwork in limited-edition Giclée prints, signed and numbered by the artist, for distribution to art professionals.

4. Any further reproduction, distribution, or exhibition requires written artist approval.

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Exhibition of the Art Circle Award 2025

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1. The exhibition will take place in Abu Dhabi and Dubai (dates to be announced soon).

2. Shortlisted artists must loan their artworks, free of charge, to TAC for two months following the jury’s decision.

3. TAC may use images of the shortlisted artworks for promotional purposes during this period.

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Return of Non-Awarded Artworks

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1. Artists must collect non-awarded artworks at the end of the exhibition.

2. Artists are responsible for repacking and transporting their work.

3. While TAC takes care in handling, it is not liable for any damage.

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Guidelines for Artists

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• Works should reflect Bauhaus aesthetics: geometric abstraction, primary colours, and a balance of form and function.

• Mixed media is allowed, but the primary focus must be painting.

• The dot must play a central role—whether literal, conceptual, or abstract.

• Artists should emphasize clarity, simplicity, and innovation, in line with Bauhaus ideals.

• Works should reflect Bauhaus commitment to craftsmanship and material integrity while incorporating Arab modernist influences.

• Artists are encouraged to explore texture, layering, and material experimentation while maintaining strong composition.

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Exhibition & Impact

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This exhibition highlights how a single dot, much like an idea, can transform into something profound.

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It also celebrates Arab artists who have embraced geometric abstraction and modernist principles, including Etel Adnan, Dia Al-Azzawi, and Saloua Raouda Choucair. Their work bridges Bauhaus traditions and Arab modernism, offering rich inspiration for participating artists.

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By participating in "Story of a Dot," artists will honour Bauhaus principles while pushing its legacy into the 21st century, where art, design, and technology intersect in new ways.

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We invite you to explore, innovate, and redefine artistic boundaries—starting with a single dot.