Submit Entries for Burda Award (Ornamentation)

Deadline: 15-Sep-2026

The Burda Award for Ornamentation is inviting artists to submit outstanding works that demonstrate the aesthetic and philosophical depth of Islamic ornamentation in both traditional and contemporary forms. The award celebrates Islamic ornamentation as an artistic tradition rooted in order, repetition, and abstraction, highlighting these principles as manifestations of perfection. It recognizes intricate geometric compositions, harmonious vegetal motifs, and the fluidity of Arabic calligraphy. The award offers monetary prizes of up to 70,000 dirhams for first place, with additional prizes for the second through fifth positions.

About the Burda Award for Ornamentation

The Burda Award for Ornamentation celebrates the artistic heritage and creative possibilities of Islamic ornamentation. The award recognizes works that explore the philosophical foundations of ornamentation through elements such as: - Geometric compositions. - Repetition and order. - Abstract artistic forms. - Harmonious vegetal motifs. - Arabic calligraphy. Artists can participate through traditional approaches based on classical Islamic ornamentation or through contemporary interpretations that reinterpret these traditions using modern artistic approaches.

Annual Theme: “Family: Tranquility and Mercy”

The theme for the current award cycle is:

“Family: Tranquility and Mercy.”

Every submission must reflect this annual theme. Artists should therefore develop works that connect their interpretation of Islamic ornamentation with the concepts represented by the theme while maintaining the artistic identity of their chosen category. Award Categories The Burda Award for Ornamentation is divided into two main categories. Traditional Ornamentation The Traditional Ornamentation category focuses on classical Islamic motifs and techniques. Artists participating in this category should demonstrate their understanding and application of traditional ornamentation practices while following the specified material, technical, size, and presentation requirements. Contemporary Ornamentation The Contemporary Ornamentation category encourages artists to reinterpret Islamic ornamentation through modern artistic approaches. While allowing greater contemporary interpretation, submissions must still meet the award’s specified requirements and reflect the annual theme. Islamic Ornamentation and Artistic Philosophy The award emphasizes the philosophical depth of Islamic ornamentation. Its artistic vision is based on principles including: - Order, which creates structure and balance. - Repetition, which produces rhythm and continuity. - Abstraction, which allows artistic expression beyond literal representation. - Geometry, which creates intricate and harmonious compositions. - Vegetal motifs, which introduce organic visual harmony. - Arabic calligraphy, which contributes fluidity and expressive movement. Together, these elements form an artistic language that connects visual beauty with philosophical concepts of perfection and harmony. Prize Information The Burda Award for Ornamentation provides monetary prizes for the top five positions.

The prize structure is:

- First place: 70,000 dirhams.

- Second place: 50,000 dirhams.

- Third place: 40,000 dirhams.

- Fourth place: 30,000 dirhams.

- Fifth place: 20,000 dirhams.

The awards recognize outstanding works across the competition’s eligible categories. Who Can Apply? Artists who create works in traditional or contemporary Islamic ornamentation styles can participate, provided they meet the specified requirements.

Applicants must ensure that their work:

- Fits the relevant traditional or contemporary ornamentation category. - Reflects the annual theme. - Uses approved materials. - Meets the required size specifications. - Follows the required presentation standards. - Meets the digital submission requirements. - Remains unsigned. Previous Winners There are specific restrictions for previous winners. Artists who won first or second place in any category are not eligible to participate in the immediately following cycle. However, they may reapply in subsequent cycles. Applicants with previous winning entries should therefore check their award history before submitting a new work. Unsigned Artwork Requirement Works submitted to the competition must not be signed. This requirement applies to the physical artwork submitted for judging. Applicants should make sure that no signature or identifying mark appears on the artwork itself. The physical artwork must also be securely packaged and marked with the required reference number on the back. Digital Submission Requirements Artists must submit a high-resolution digital image of their artwork through the online application form.

The digital file must:

- Meet the required resolution. - Follow the required file format. - Clearly identify the artist’s name. - Include the artwork title in the file labeling. Applicants should carefully check the technical specifications before uploading their digital image. Physical Artwork Requirements The physical artwork must be securely packaged before submission. Artists must ensure that the physical work: - Is securely packaged. - Is unsigned. - Has the required reference number marked on the back. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the submission being disqualified from judging. Material, Size and Presentation Requirements Submissions must comply with the award’s specified requirements concerning: - Approved materials. - Artwork size. - Presentation. - Traditional or contemporary ornamentation style. - Digital file resolution. - Digital file format. Artists should select their materials and prepare their artwork according to the requirements applicable to their chosen category. How to Prepare a Strong Submission Artists can improve their chances of presenting a competitive submission by combining creative quality with careful compliance with the award rules. Important preparation steps i