• The Ministry of Culture’s National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity was launched last year offering funding support to Emirati creatives to boost the production of creative projects and increase participation in local and international opportunities
• This year’s open call invites Emirati creatives to apply to the Ministry’s project-based funding program within four grant categories to support creative production, promotion, capacity-building and travel
• The Ministry of Culture’s National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity has been awarded the “Verified Sustainable Impact Project” by the National CSR Fund (Majra) for supporting the sustainable development of the UAE’s creative community and encouraging sustainable practices to be implemented within creative projects

The Ministry of Culture is now accepting applications for the second cycle of the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity (NGPCC) to offer grants to Emirati creatives to support their creative projects. The nation-wide grant program, which was launched in 2023, is a key initiative of the Ministry of Culture designed to receive applications from across various fields including: Books and Literature, Music, Film and TV, Performing Arts and Theatre, Visual Arts and Design, Video Games and Cultural Heritage. The grant program covers the cultural and creative industries offering creatives a chance to showcase their work to local, regional, and international audiences leading to greater visibility of the UAE’s talent and local cultural production.

At the heart of this program lies the Ministry of Culture’s commitment to developing a thriving creative ecosystem in the country by fostering home-grown talent, advancing careers, and enabling further production of creative projects from the sector. The program aims to provide opportunities for Emirati creatives from across the UAE by helping them overcome the financial barriers to delivering their projects or participating in opportunities.

The first cycle of the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity has proven to be successful, awarding 26 emerging and established Emirati creatives in several cultural and creative fields. A few project outcomes include short films, published books, theatre productions, a video game, as well as the participation of creatives within international residencies, performances, and art fairs in Venice, Egypt, Latvia, and Poland.

Speaking about NGPCC, His Excellency Salem bin Khaled Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, said: “The launch of the second cycle of the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity illustrates the unwavering support of the Ministry of Culture for the UAE’s cultural and creative industries and promoting the UAE’s national identity and heritage. Building on the success of last year’s cycle, we would like to expand the program’s reach and urge more creatives to come forward and submit their applications to benefit from this opportunity. By enabling talent through providing funding, we aim to enhance cultural production in the country and maximise exposure and presence for Emirati creatives locally, regionally and internationally while also enhancing the UAE’s position on the global cultural and creative map.”

This year too, the program invites artists, designers, writers, musicians, filmmakers and other creative professionals to submit their proposals to the Ministry within four categories that cater to the specific needs of creatives, these include the Creation and Production Grant, Promotion and Local Participations Grant, Capacity Development Grant and International Travel and Mobility Grant.

The Creation and Production Grant (Up to AED 100,000) is designed to finance the production of new and original artistic and creative works across various mediums, such as film, music, performances, and video games. It supports projects that demonstrate artistic excellence, creative appeal, and a unique vision or concept.

The Promotion and Local Participations Grant (Up to AED 80,000) supports the promotion, distribution, and publication of creative projects to increase visibility for locally produced artworks and creative projects. It also aims to encourage creatives to take part in local opportunities and events through supporting associated participation costs.

The Capacity Development Grant (Up to AED 50,000) aims to support the professional growth of applicants by supporting unique learning opportunities that upskill and enhance creatives’ skills and talent through opportunities such as short-courses, residencies, specialized training from recognized institutions, and similar development opportunities.

The International Travel and Mobility Grant (Up to AED 50,000) supports creatives to participate in international events and opportunities by funding costs of travel, accommodation, and participation to represent the UAE on global platforms. It aims to increase the global presence of the UAE’s creative sector and can cover associated fees for participation in festivals, exhibitions, international collaborations, and more.

The second cycle of the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity will be accepting online applications until June 1^st, 2024.  For further information about the National Grant Program for Culture and Creativity, eligibility criteria, and the application process, please visit https://mcy.gov.ae/ar/national-grant-program-for-culture-and-creativity/ or contact info@mcy.gov.ae or dial 800552255.