The Ministry of Culture has officially opened registration for the 18th edition of the Al Burda Award, a prestigious accolade recognizing exceptional creativity in Islamic art and culture. This award celebrates the richness of the Arabic language and honors its pioneers, making it a significant event in the cultural calendar.
Theme of the 18th Edition: ‘Al Noor’ (The Light)
This year, the Al Burda Award embraces the theme of ‘Al Noor’ (The Light), drawing inspiration from verse 15 of Surah Al-Ma’ida: “There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book,” referring to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Holy Quran. This theme symbolizes the divine message delivered by the Prophet, illuminating humanity’s path with truth and virtue.
A Historical Overview of Al Burda Award
Since its inception in 2004, the Al Burda Award has become a global platform for showcasing the finest in Islamic arts. As His Excellency Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, states, “The award has united the best in Islamic arts from across the globe, presenting it here in the UAE.” This initiative underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating Islamic cultural heritage through diverse artistic expressions.
Categories and New Sub-Categories
Main Categories:
- Poetry
- Arabic Calligraphy
- Ornamentation
New Sub-Categories:
- Poetry: Classical, Nabati, and Free Verse
- Arabic Calligraphy: Classical, Contemporary, and Typography Design
- Ornamentation: Traditional and Contemporary
The addition of new sub-categories aims to foster youth participation and encourage innovative contemporary artworks that merge modern technology with traditional Islamic arts.
Prize Distribution
Winners in each of the three main categories will receive a substantial prize of AED 210,000, distributed among the top five winners. Additionally, winners in the new sub-categories, such as free verse poetry, Arabic typography, and contemporary ornamentation, will each be awarded AED 160,000.
The Cultural Impact of Al Burda Award
The Al Burda Award has played a pivotal role in promoting rich cultural exchanges, celebrating the artisanry of Islamic practitioners, and preserving a shared cultural legacy. The award brings together diverse artistic representations from various cultural and geographical backgrounds, highlighting the far-reaching impact of Islamic art and its seamless integration into contemporary forms.
Key Statements by His Excellency Sheikh Salem Bin Khalid Al Qassimi
“Al Burda Award has been instrumental in fostering rich cultural exchanges. It celebrates the artisanry of practitioners from the Islamic world and their dedication to preserving our shared cultural legacy,” said His Excellency. “By bringing together diverse representations of art and culture, the award helps us better understand the far-reaching impact of Islamic art and the seamless integration of traditional elements into contemporary forms.”
Preserving Islamic Artistic Heritage
The UAE has been steadfast in its efforts to preserve the artistic heritage of Islamic civilization and promote exceptional art to a global audience. The Al Burda Award underscores the UAE’s prominent role in supporting Islamic arts and fostering a deeper appreciation of the rich aesthetic of the Arabic language.
Registration and Submission Details
Artists, poets, and calligraphers eager to participate in this year’s edition can register and submit their works electronically at https://burda.ae/en/. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2024. The Ministry will also receive artworks for the Calligraphy and Ornamentation categories from October 1-15, 2024.
Conclusion
The 18th edition of the Al Burda Award promises to be a monumental celebration of Islamic art and culture, bringing together the best artistic talents from around the world. With its new categories and substantial prizes, the award continues to inspire creativity and innovation, ensuring the preservation and evolution of Islamic artistic heritage for future generations.
