Young Artists Wanted: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Opens the Door to a New Generation

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There’s a persistent idea in creative industries — that talent alone might be enough. No polished CV, no perfectly curated identity, no years spent explaining your “practice” before you’ve even had the space to explore it.

In reality, that rarely happens.
But occasionally, something comes close.

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Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has opened applications for Contemporary Makers — a new programme designed for emerging creatives aged 18 to 25 living in the UAE. And unlike many opportunities in the field, this one doesn’t ask you to arrive fully formed.

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Developed in collaboration with MAKE Abu Dhabi and SWALIF Collective, the initiative focuses on process rather than presentation.
No formal art education is required. No portfolio needed.

The programme unfolds through weekly sessions built around discussion, collaboration, and hands-on exploration— shifting the focus from output to development.

That said, there is one requirement that matters.

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Commitment.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions, making this a structured programme rather than a casual drop-in experience.

Location: MAKE Abu Dhabi
Dates: April 13 – June 4, 2026
Time: Every Thursday, 5–7 pm

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Contemporary Makers runs across multiple cohorts throughout the year (Spring, Summer, Fall) — each built around a different theme and central question.

And the timing matters.

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Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, part of the Saadiyat Cultural District, is set to become a major platform for modern and contemporary art, with a focus on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia, alongside global practices.

Which makes this programme feel less like a side initiative — and more like an entry point into a larger cultural conversation.

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For those at the beginning of their path, that kind of access is rare.

So if you are 18–25, based in the UAE, and still exploring your creative direction — this is one of the few opportunities that allows you to do exactly that.

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Not by asking you to prove yourself first.
But by giving you the room to start.

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