A call for applications that started from June 6th to 26th of June, 2021
- The competition was launched on June 6th across the UAE: candidates – artists or amateurs – were invited to create a graphic artwork, imagining “how we will travel in the future”.
- The laureates’ artworks will be displayed on the 70 exterior JCDecaux billboards at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, creating, for the first time, an open-air museum in an international airport.
- This creative challenge celebrates the 50th anniversary of the country and its long-term vision. It also echoes France Pavilion at Dubai Expo, which will focus on mobility.
Abu Dhabi: Institut français in the UAE – the cultural department of the French Embassy, JCDecaux – the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, Abu Dhabi Airports Company and BB Media has given the opportunity to amateur and professional artists to present their artworks in a major international airport, transforming Abu Dhabi International Airport into an open-air museum for several weeks.
Launched on June 6th across the UAE, contestants were invited to create a work of graphic art, giving free rein to their imagination, by answering to the question: “how will we travel in the future”. The call was open to anyone above 6-year-old living in United Arab Emirates. The 9 winners of the three categories (children, teenagers and adults) will be rewarded by the exhibition of their work of art on the 70 outdoor advertising billboards of the Abu Dhabi International Airport for several weeks.
Through this competition, the four partners wished to encourage the local creation and the development of artistic skills. They also wanted to celebrate the UAE’s 50th anniversary and its long–term vision, by creating a major cultural event in a very symbolical place.
H.E Xavier Chatel, Ambassador of France to the UAE, said: “This unprecedented project is a wonderful opportunity to encourage cultural creation and to foster the emergence of talents. It will also celebrate friendship between the UAE and France, which is driven by culture, art and innovation – major themes that will be displayed at the French Pavilion during Dubai Expo.”
CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports Company declared: “This unique contest is an opportunity to connect the Airport to inhabitants who will be part of the outdoor landscape’s design. This is also the occasion to pay a tribute to the Year of the 50th anniversary of the country, by engaging all those who call the UAE their home.”
Martin Sabbagh, CEO of JCDecaux Middle-East and Africa, declared: “JCDecaux has a long history of fostering creation and culture. We are very proud to support “Showcase your artwork at Abu Dhabi International Airport” by making our advertising assets available to promote talents. This contest is perfectly in line with our mission as mobility and sustainability are two of the major themes of our innovation strategy. We are very excited to launch this world-premiere project with our partners, which will transform Abu Dhabi International Airport into an open-air museum.”
The opening ceremony took place on the occasion of the French National Day, the 14th of July, during which the 50th anniversary of the Emirati-French friendship was celebrated. The winners will also be awarded the possibility to exhibit their artwork at a specific event at the France Pavilion during Dubai Expo.
- Abu Dhabi Airports Company
Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company, Abu Dhabi Airports is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a diverse portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s non-oil economy. Created in 2006 to spearhead the redevelopment of the Emirate’s aviation infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Airports plays an important role in the Government of Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030.
- The Institut français in the UAE
The Institut Français in the UAE is the cultural and cooperation department of the French Embassy in the UAE, and part of a wider network of “French Institutes” across the world.
Its mission is to share French cultural, intellectual and academic productions and expertise, as well as promote cooperation between the UAE and France in these sectors.
- BBMedia
BBMedia has been in a mission to help our customers across UAE and with our team having more than 2 decades of experience in the field of digital printing and signage is our key in creating successful brands and achieving customer’s marketing and branding goals through our smart, environment friendly and highly creative products and services.
- JCDecaux
JCDecaux, the number one outdoor advertising company worldwide, is present in more than 80 countries and 3,670 cities with over 10,000 inhabitants. For more than 55 years, JCDecaux products have been the benchmark in innovation, quality, aesthetics and functionality. Thanks to the expertise of its employees, the Group’s service offering, particularly on upkeep and maintenance are recognised by cities, airport and transport authorities, along with advertisers around the world. JCDecaux is currently the only world-class player to focus exclusively on outdoor advertising and the development of all related activities: street furniture, transport and billboard advertising. In the age of the smart city, JCDecaux is positioning itself as a major player and is already playing a vital role in building the connected city, a city that is more human, more open and more sustainable.
