Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled the jury and the five shortlisted artists for Art Here 2024, the fourth edition of its annual contemporary art exhibition produced in partnership with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille. The works will be on view at the museum from 20 September to 15 December 2024, with one artist claiming the coveted Richard Mille Art Prize — a cash award of US $60,000.
A Jury of International Voices
This year's five-member jury brings together prominent figures from the regional and global art world. Returning members include H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Founder and Chairman of UAE Unlimited, and Dr Guilhem André, Scientific Curatorial and Collection Management Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Three new voices join the panel: Simon Njami, internationally recognised independent curator and art critic; Nujoom Alghanem, celebrated Emirati poet and filmmaker; and Maya Allison, Founding Director and Chief Curator of the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery.
Five Artists, One Prize
The open call attracted 230 submissions from artists based in the UAE, other GCC countries, North Africa, and beyond — the highest level of participation the competition has seen. From those entries, five outstanding artists have been shortlisted to present new work:
- Sarah Almehairi — UAE - Lamya Gargash — UAE - Ferielle Doulain-Zouari — France/Tunisia - Moataz Nasr — Egypt - Nicène Kossentini — Tunisia
Their sculptures and audiovisual installations will compete for the Richard Mille Art Prize, with the winner announced during the exhibition run.
Theme: Awakenings
The guiding theme for Art Here 2024 is Awakenings — a concept that invites artists to explore openness, new beginnings, and the decisive moments that shape a path forward. The theme encourages works that engage with contemporary questions and future perspectives.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, praised the theme and highlighted the significance of opening the competition to North Africa for the first time. "We are glad that we could create and exhibit artworks of five of the shortlisted artists," Rabaté said, underscoring the museum's mission to diversify the cultural voices of the region.
A Landmark Expansion
This edition marks a landmark shift: until now, the Richard Mille Art Prize was open only to artists based in the GCC. The 2024 edition extends eligibility to North African artists for the first time, reflecting Louvre Abu Dhabi's broader commitment to showcasing the full breadth of Arab and Mediterranean creativity.
The Art Here 2024 exhibition opens at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 20 September 2024 and runs through 15 December 2024.
