Louvre Abu Dhabi has extended the deadline for submissions to the sixth edition of its flagship contemporary art initiative, Art Here 2026 and the Richard Mille Art Prize, offering contemporary artists across the GCC and India additional time to apply for one of the region’s leading contemporary art opportunities.
This year’s edition marks a significant expansion of the initiative, welcoming Indian artists alongside artists from the GCC for the first time. The programme continues the museum’s wider exploration of cultural exchange, shared histories, and human connection across regions.
Artists from the GCC (nationals and residents) and India (nationals) are invited to submit proposals responding to the theme Confluences, curated by distinguished museum leader Kamini Sawhney. The theme explores the ways intersecting histories, cultures, migration, ecologies, and collective experiences shape contemporary societies.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr Guilhem André, Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Director at Louvre Abu Dhabi, described the expansion as “a natural evolution,” highlighting the longstanding connections between the Gulf and India through centuries of trade, movement, and coexistence across the Indian Ocean world.
Guest Curator Kamini Sawhney noted that Confluences reflects the complexity of cultural relationships and exchanges that continue to shape identities and artistic practices today. The exhibition will invite artists to respond with ambitious site-specific works that explore these layered encounters and connections.
An international jury will review submissions and select shortlisted artists whose works will be commissioned for the Art Here 2026 exhibition, opening in November 2026 at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
One participating artist will also receive the Richard Mille Art Prize, awarded with a grand prize of US $60,000 in recognition of outstanding contemporary artistic practice.
Artists are encouraged to apply before the extended deadline and take part in this cross-cultural contemporary art platform bringing together voices from across the GCC and India.
