Emirates Airline has launched a contest to find the 'world’s most exciting budding artists' to do the artwork of its Skywards frequent flyer programme.

The winning work of 'Skywards Future Artists Competition 2011' will be displayed on the Skywards 2012 membership cards, said a senior company official.

“As a dynamic, growing airline with a global perspective, Emirates, through Skywards  programme, wants to give artists around the world a chance to showcase their artistic vision,” says Brian LaBelle, senior VP, Skywards.

“Skywards’ members are global travellers with an eye to innovation. Skywards Future Artists Competition is the perfect link between our dedicated members and new, upcoming stars in the art world,” he remarked.

'As part of its initiative to support the arts, Skywards is searching for emerging artists; whether a young art student just entering the field or an experienced artist who has never exhibited their work, Skywards wants to give artists worldwide the opportunity to showcase their work.'

'The competition is open to all artists, regardless of medium: sculpture, photography and paintings are welcome,' he added.

Three winning entries will be chosen and the image of the selected artwork will be used on the Skywards membership cards in 2012, as well as in all supporting online and offline communications and promotional material, said LaBelle.

Each artist’s name will be displayed alongside their winning artwork. In addition to the year-long global exposure of their art on the Skywards membership cards, the three winners will receive a commission of $5000 and will be flown to Dubai, where their winning entry and design portfolio will be exhibited at the Art Dubai fair in early 2012.

Art Dubai is the leading contemporary art fair in the Mena and South Asia region and is attended by art critics, collectors and gallery owners from around the world.
  
Judging will be done by a panel of highly regarded industry professionals, experts, and Skywards members.

The deadline for submitting artwork is July 14, voting by Skywards members is open from August 9 to 23 and the winners will be announced in September.-TradeArabia News Service