Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has announced the launch of the inaugural edition of The ADMAF Comic Arts Award in association with Mubadala. Part of ADMAF’s Rewarding Excellence programme, the award aims to nurture artistic expression in the comic field and celebrate the power of the comic arts as a creative and cultural tool.

Entries are welcome from UAE citizens aged 18 and above until 15th September 2014. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend the Mubadala Youth Forum, a dedicated event for college-age Emiratis committed to provide guidance and direction about career related decisions and opportunities, on 21st October where their works will be exhibited and the winner announced. Each entry will be assessed on artistic merit, technical skill, evidence of original thinking, and development of concept. The prize includes an all-expenses-paid trip to New York to attend the New York Film Academy 3D Animation 4-week Course, along with a WACOM Cintiq 13HD® and a place at the Middle East Film & Comic Con 2015.

H.E. Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, said about the initiative “ADMAF celebrates Emirati artistic talent through its Rewarding Excellence programme. The Foundation’s commitment to comic arts dates back to 2007. During that time, we have staged festivals, workshops and lectures on the subject. We are very proud to announce the launch The ADMAF Comic Arts Award in association with Mubadala, which celebrates outstanding achievements by Emiratis in this exciting creative sector. The comic arts is establishing a firm foothold in the UAE with educational institutions, creative initiatives and professional practitioners all helping to develop the industry. At ADMAF, we believe that all forms of art are vital to the growth of society, and the comic arts in particular is a fascinating medium to nurture creative self-expression.”

Commenting on the partnership, Nadine Hassan, Head of Social Development and Partnerships, Mubadala, said: “We try to strike a balance between relevance, education and fun with our youth initiatives, and the ADMAF Comic Arts Award fits the bill because they are tailored to the region’s increasing interest in comic arts. This event is a key component of our collaboration with ADMAF, which continues to help us to develop engaging artistic and cultural learning opportunities for youth.”

As part of its social development outreach Mubadala also supports Mansour, an innovative and exciting new Emirati cartoon. Through compelling storylines and adventures, Mansour emphasizes the importance of the Arabic language to maintaining cultural identity and demonstrates the value of a strong education and a healthy lifestyle.

Encouraging submissions from across the UAE, ADMAF will embark on a nationwide roadshow in May and June to highlight the ADMAF Comic Arts Award at universities, arts centres, and other venues.

Submissions are welcomed in comic or animation mediums including Long Form (longer than 40 pages) such as graphic novels, Short Form (shorter than 40 pages), including stand-alone work, Digital Media including web comics and online comic strips, Comic Strips featuring four or more panels, Single Image featuring a self-contained narrative image, and Moving Image utilising motion graphics.

Information and the entry form can be downloaded from the ADMAF website: http://www.admaf.org/en>

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