Art4You Gallery’s Artistic Luminary Awards honours UAE art and culture

The Artistic Luminary Awards presentation ceremony was launched October-end, where the UAE’s artistic talent and its cultural influence was celebrated. Organised by Art4You Gallery, it was hosted at the Ramee Dream Hotel Downtown Dubai, and was one of the biggest such events in the country. It brought together artists, curators, art professionals and cultural pioneers from across the globe, firming up the UAE’s position as a global art hub. With over 60 awards presented to artists from 28 nationalities, the awards were more than just a conferral ceremony. It was a showcase of creativity, diversity, and unity of the art community.

The evening began with a red-carpet welcome for guests and industry influencers, followed by the arrival of well-known artists and live interactive sessions with established artists. The awards honoured a range of talent across multiple disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, music, authors and those working in the cultural heritage field. A distinctive feature of the event was the international presence, with attendees from Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, adding a global touch to the celebrations. The occasion spotlighted emerging and established artists, celebrating their innovative contributions, alongside projecting the achievements of established figures in the art world. It was indeed an exceptional mix of fresh talent and seasoned expertise.

Rengi Cherian (left) and Jesno Jackson.

In recognition of their outstanding artistic contributions, a total of 60 awardees were honoured. Standout artists included Vera Zhukova, Ritta Shoufan, Joy Najm, Andrew Scanlan, Thauheeda Thameem, Angelka Basheska, Merly Mathews, Akshita Lad, Elyazia Abdullatif, Noura Al Khyeli, Mouza Al Darmaki, Moosa Al Halyan, Khuloud Al Jabri, Mozhgan Afrisham, Nidhi Mathur, Vidhu Raghavan, Tatiana Lamiri, Rand Alkishtaini, Suaad Al Suwaidi, He Pengfei, Raisa Ambross, Mohammad Awad, Rheanne Louise Espiritu, Ganga Prasad, Eade Kunst, Polina Aitkulova, Anubha Kaw, Labiba Ferhat, Neethu George, Tamara Noori, Maria Komal Abie, Dr. Rasha Meaad, Yashi Khatanhar, Roa Al Madani, Eric Afranie, Mohammad Rabiei, Bini Menon and Peter Farrington, each known for pushing the boundaries — not to speak of the artistic envelope — of their respective genres.

The recipients received audience accolades that celebrated their achievements across traditional and contemporary art forms. Special attention was also given to awardees in the cultural sector like Abeer Abdullah, Hanan Al Nuaimi, Harjyot Oberoi, Honey Bhaskaran, Kiara Kaur, Lara Tabet and Violetta Kalita, whose work has played a pivotal role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding through arts such as music, art advocacy, authorship, art criticism, media excellence and film making.

Rheanne Louise Espiritu (centre) on the stage.

The high point of the evening was the announcement of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, which honoured the legacy of three pioneering Emirati artists, namely, Abdul Qader Al Rais, Khalil Abdulwahid, and Dr. Mohamed Yousif. They have made monumental contributions to the UAE’s artistic landscape, inspiring generations of artists with their insights and creativity. The mention of their lifelong dedication to the arts and ability to convey the beauty of Emirati culture through their work, was met with thunderous applause — a testament to their impact on the art community.

The awards ceremony welcomed an array of VIPs and cultural ambassadors, including Yaqoob Al Ali, Hatem Khalil Al Sayegh, Ahmed Al Mahmoud, and Maktoum Al Marzooqi, whose presence underscored the event’s significance in the UAE’s evolving art ecology. Other influential figures like Ahmed Saleh, Abdulrazzak Al Madani, Stefano Iorini, Bernadette “Cha” Eslais, and Maktoum Al Marzooqi, also joined the evening’s honours, adding value to the event with their dedicated work for cultural growth.

Ritta Shoufan (third, left) with her award.

The event was supported by several prominent partners like Renad Events, Art Point, Wrapzone, Magical Stars, Blooming Blossoms, Vinlexe, Dnata Travel and MonViso Natural Mineral Water. Each of them had an integral role in bringing the Artistic Luminary Awards to life, providing resources that enhanced the overall experience. Their involvement highlights the growing support within the UAE for initiatives that promote and celebrate the arts, reinforcing the country’s reputation as an incubator for art and culture.

Art4You Gallery, the driving force behind the event, worked with Renad Events and IAC Foundation, to shape the event. “Through the Artistic Luminary Awards, Art4You Gallery demonstrates its unwavering commitment to fostering artistic expression, supporting cultural dialogue and nurturing emerging talent on a global scale,” said Jesno Jackson, co-founder of the gallery. “The event is not only a landmark moment for the UAE art scene, but also a symbol of the unifying power of art in a world that continues to grapple with cultural and social challenges,” said Rengi Cherian, Art4You co-founder. “As we celebrate our 9th anniversary this year, this award embodies our commitment to honour creativity that resonates beyond the canvas, beyond the stage, and into the hearts of all those who encounter it.” The event injected a renewed sense of purpose and anticipation for future editions of the awards. “The Artistic Luminary Awards have set a new standard for art and culture events in the region, and with this inaugural success, Art4You Gallery should continue its mission to spotlight the brilliance and transformative potential of art,” said a participant. Art4You Gallery is a multicultural platform with a mission to promote the exchange of art between UAE and other nations and to create learning and exhibition opportunities for artists.