The Artistic Luminary Awards, hosted by Art4You Gallery, concluded with grandeur at the Ramee Dream Hotel Downtown Dubai, marking a significant milestone for the UAE’s art and cultural scene. The event, held in late October, underscored the nation’s growing stature as an international art hub by recognizing artistic excellence from around the globe.
Welcoming over 60 artists from 28 nationalities, the ceremony was more than a mere awards presentation; it was a celebration of creativity, diversity, and collaboration within the art world. Attendees included artists, curators, cultural leaders, and professionals, making the evening a global gathering that reaffirmed the UAE’s role as a beacon of cultural unity.
The festivities commenced with a red-carpet reception that set the tone for an evening filled with engaging performances and interactive discussions. Guests were treated to a rich program spotlighting art forms such as painting, sculpture, photography, digital arts, music, and cultural heritage. This blend of disciplines showcased the dynamic nature of the UAE’s creative landscape.
The awards celebrated both established and emerging talents, including well-respected names such as Vera Zhukova, Ritta Shoufan, Joy Najm, and Andrew Scanlan. Artists such as Noura Al Khyeli, Mouza Al Darmaki, and Moosa Al Halyan were among those recognized for their trailblazing work that pushed the boundaries of their respective mediums. The applause of the audience echoed the admiration for these visionaries who continually elevate art.
In addition to visual and performance art, the awards extended their reach to figures in the cultural sector, highlighting influential individuals like Abeer Abdullah, Harjyot Oberoi, and Honey Bhaskaran. These awardees were acknowledged for their transformative roles in fostering intercultural understanding through various platforms including music, literature, media, and film.
The pinnacle of the evening was the announcement of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards, which celebrated the legacy of three iconic Emirati artists: Abdul Qader Al Rais, Khalil Abdulwahid, and Dr. Mohamed Yousif. Their profound influence on the art world resonated throughout the crowd, eliciting an ovation that underscored their significance to the UAE’s creative heritage.
The event was graced by prominent VIPs and cultural ambassadors such as Yaqoob Al Ali and Ahmed Al Mahmoud, whose presence reaffirmed the importance of art in the UAE’s socio-cultural fabric. Figures like Stefano Iorini and Bernadette “Cha” Eslais added their voices, emphasizing their commitment to cultural development.
Supported by partners such as Renad Events, Art Point, and Blooming Blossoms, the awards showcased how community collaboration drives the arts forward. These partnerships ensured that the event’s ambition was matched by its execution, setting an impressive standard for future celebrations.
Art4You Gallery’s co-founders, Jesno Jackson and Rengi Cherian, shared their vision for the future. “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,” stated Jackson. Cherian added, “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.”
A participant shared, “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.”
