Global Digital Art Competition returns with theme of securing systems, sustaining growth

Competition details and theme

Organisers are calling on digital artists worldwide to submit works that explore how creativity, technology and imagination can contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous future. This year’s theme is ‘Securing Systems. Sustaining Growth.’

Participants may choose from five focus areas: future energy; advanced technology and artificial intelligence; water, food and resource security; investment and infrastructure; and human development.

Entries can take the form of still or moving images, interactive or generative art, immersive experiences or web-based pieces. The competition is open to anyone aged 18 and above. Submissions must be received by 16 November.

The winner and two finalists will be honoured at a ceremony in Abu Dhabi on 13 January, and their works will be displayed during the sustainability week.

Eligibility and submission rules

The rules are flexible, but there is one condition: if artists use artificial intelligence or other generative tools, they must declare this and explain what the tools contributed to the work.

The competition is hosted by Masdar and organised in partnership with District1795, a technology platform for arts and culture in the Middle East and North Africa.

Judging panel and criteria

A jury of leading voices from the international arts community will select the winners. The panel includes Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Frieze Abu Dhabi; Kawthar Bin Sulayem, Founder and CEO of District1795; Hamad Al Shamsi, artist; Anna Magritskaya, Managing Director of Theatre of Digital Art; Khawla Abou Saleh, visual artist and creative director; and Diaa Allam, calligraphy artist.

The jury will assess entries based on concept, artistic vision, originality, impact, representation and accessibility.

Full guidelines and the application form are available on the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week website.