The Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award, a visionary annual award established in 1992 to recognise the work and contributions of modern day art patrons, has taken place in the region for the first time. Rajeeb and Nadia Samdani, recipients of the 2017 Award were honoured at a ceremony held in Dubai to recognise their work with Dhaka Art Summit and contribution to the arts through the Samdani Art Foundation. An initiative to increase awareness and appreciation of contemporary art across Bangladesh, and broaden international exposure for the country’s artists and architects, the Samdani Art Foundation is also responsible for the establishment of the Samdani Art Award.
The ceremony took place on the 13th of September at Concrete, a multi-disciplinary space at the intersection of art and architecture designed to host museum-grade exhibitions, and located in Alserkal Avenue. The evening was hosted by Montblanc Cultural Foundation chairmen Sam Bardaouil and Till Fellrath, where the Samdanis received a Montblanc trophy and a €15,000 donation to the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The Samdani’s are among 17 winners around the world selected by an international jury of art experts and practitioners brought together by the Montblanc Cultural Foundation. Candidates are evaluated on their history of personal commitment to the arts, and enabling wider access to cultural projects.
