Louvre Abu Dhabi Announces Open Call for Art Here 2026 and Richard Mille Art Prize
Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced an open call for proposals for the sixth edition of its flagship contemporary art initiative, Art Here 2026, along with the prestigious Richard Mille Art Prize. The submission window is open until 31st May 2026, and artists are encouraged to submit their proposals via the museum’s official website.
This year, Art Here broadens its horizon to include India, alongside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, reflecting the deep-rooted and longstanding ties between India and the UAE. This expansion highlights a history of exchange, coexistence, and shared human values between the two nations.
Artists who are either nationals or residents of the GCC or Indian nationals are invited to submit proposals that revolve around the theme of Confluences. This theme delves into how the contemporary world is shaped by overlapping histories, cultures, and ecologies. It also explores how encounters can become powerful sites of exchange, friction, hybridity, and transformation.
As part of this edition, participants are encouraged to design site-specific monumental artworks that interact with the iconic outdoor spaces under the museum’s dome. The exhibition will begin around the Damascene fountain and guide visitors through a passageway, culminating in a contemplative shallow pool and the acclaimed Jenny Holzer public art wall installation.
Launched in 2021, Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here serves as a platform to champion local and regional talent, showcasing the region’s vibrant art and culture scene. By continually expanding its geographical reach, the initiative promotes cross-cultural interaction and highlights stories of human creativity that transcend individual cultures and civilizations.
This foundational ethos shapes the Confluences concept, drawing a parallel between culture and the sea—both are dynamic, layered, and constantly reshaped through movement and interaction. The theme also navigates subjects like migration, separation, longing, and loss, while emphasizing acceptance, resilience, and regeneration. The intersection of various languages, food, music, and community practices becomes a testament to the richness of shared human experiences.
An esteemed jury will review all submissions and select shortlisted entries to be commissioned for the Art Here 2026 exhibition, set to open in November 2026.
The grand highlight of the event, the 2026 Richard Mille Art Prize, will award US$60,000 to one of the selected artists, reinforcing the museum’s commitment to supporting contemporary creators, connecting cultures, and shining a spotlight on regional talent. The winner of the Richard Mille Art Prize will be officially announced in December 2026.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
