Louvre Abu Dhabi has extended the deadline for artists to submit proposals for Art Here 2026 and the Richard Mille Art Prize, giving applicants until 14 June 2026 to enter. The original cut-off had been set for 31 May, and organisers pushed the date back to widen the pool of contemporary creators competing for a place in the museum's flagship exhibition.
A wider window for regional artists
Now in its sixth edition, Art Here is the museum's signature contemporary art initiative. The extension offers additional time for eligible artists to finalise and submit their concepts through Louvre Abu Dhabi's official website. The 2026 edition is open to artists from across the Gulf Cooperation Council, both nationals and residents, as well as nationals of India, marking the first time the open call has expanded beyond the GCC to include India.
The decision to broaden eligibility reflects long-standing ties between India and the UAE rooted in centuries of exchange across the Indian Ocean world, organisers said.
The theme: Confluences
This year's edition is built around the theme "Confluences," which explores how the contemporary world is shaped by overlapping histories, cultures and ecologies, and how encounters can become sites of exchange, friction, hybridity and transformation. Guest curator Kamini Sawhney is leading the curatorial direction for the edition.
"Confluences is grounded in an understanding that relationships are complex, sophisticated and deeply layered," said guest curator Kamini Sawhney.
The Richard Mille Art Prize
Selected artists will see their work presented as part of the Art Here 2026 exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi. From that group, one artist will be awarded the Richard Mille Art Prize, which carries a grand prize of US$60,000. The award is intended to support the winning artist's practice and recognise outstanding contemporary work. The Richard Mille Art Prize winner is due to be announced in December 2026.
Exhibition timeline
The chosen artworks will go on display as part of an exhibition that opens on 11 November 2026 and runs until 28 February 2027. Art Here has become an established platform for contemporary practitioners from the region, offering exposure within one of the UAE's most prominent cultural institutions.
Artists interested in applying before the new 14 June deadline can find full submission details and the entry portal on the Louvre Abu Dhabi website.
