Louvre Abu Dhabi has opened submissions for the 6th edition of its annual contemporary art initiative, Art Here, with the 2026 exhibition curated by Kamini Sawhney. For the first time, the program expands its reach to include Indian artists alongside creatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), marking a significant step toward broader regional dialogue.
A Theme Rooted in Shared Histories
Titled Confluences, the 2026 edition will explore the intersections of culture, history, and ecology that connect India and the Gulf region. The theme draws on centuries of exchange—particularly maritime routes that facilitated movement between the regions as far back as the third millennium BC.
Sawhney describes the ocean as a central metaphor, representing both connection and separation. Through this lens, artists are encouraged to reflect on migration, trade, and cultural hybridity, examining how these layered histories continue to shape contemporary identities.
Site-Specific Works Under the Dome
Selected participants will be invited to create large-scale, site-specific installations within the museum’s outdoor spaces beneath its iconic dome. Proposed works will interact with key architectural and artistic elements, including the Damascene fountain, a contemplative shallow pool, and the permanent installation by Jenny Holzer.
This spatial context positions the exhibition as both architectural and conceptual, encouraging artists to respond directly to the museum’s environment while engaging with its broader mission of cultural exchange.
Expanding Regional and Global Dialogue
The inclusion of Indian artists signals a deliberate expansion of Art Here’s scope, fostering deeper connections between South Asia and the Gulf. By inviting both nationals and diaspora voices, the exhibition aims to create a platform for diverse perspectives rooted in shared yet complex histories.
Submissions are open until May 31, with the exhibition scheduled to run from November 11, 2026, to February 28, 2027.
The Richard Mille Art Prize
As part of the initiative, one shortlisted artist will be awarded the Richard Mille Art Prize, valued at $60,000 USD. The prize supports emerging and established artists alike, aligning with the museum’s mission to spotlight regional talent while fostering international cultural dialogue.
Ultimately, Art Here 2026 positions itself as more than an exhibition—it is a platform for rethinking connections across geographies, using art to trace the fluid, ever-evolving narratives that bind cultures together.