VISION
The Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize (MOP CAP) is a global search for the new generation of contemporary Iranian artists, many of whom have had little exposure on the competitive international art scene. Our ambition is for MOP CAP to develop into a bi-annual celebration of artistic careers. Artists from Iran and the Persian diaspora are amongst the most outstanding in the world of international contemporary art.
Awards and prizes play a major role in the promotion of emerging young talents in the world of art. The first contemporary art prize of its kind for emerging Iranian artists, MOP CAP is a global search for the most talented contemporary Iranian artists in the four distinct categories of Painting, Sculpture, Photography and New Media. MOP CAP aims to provide international exposure for gifted artists thereby contributing to the long-term advancement of Iranian art and culture worldwide.
MOP CAP
To ensure the highest possible quality of submitted works, entry into the competition is solely by nomination. The MOP CAP advisory committee has established a panel of over 40 nominators from among the Iranian and international art community, including reputable art critics, academics, established artists and curators. Once all nominations are received the distinguished MOP CAP judges will select a shortlist of 35 artists. The shortlist will be announced at Magic of Persia’s bi-annual fundraiser, Magical Nights in Abu Dhabi 2010. The works of the shortlisted artists will be sent to Dubai where the judges will make a further selection of 5 – 10 finalists having viewed the works.
The finalists’ works will be exhibited at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London to coincide with Frieze Art Fair 2011. The winner of MOP CAP 2011 will be announced following an auction of the works conducted by MOP CAP’s auction partner, Christie’s. The MOP CAP winner will be awarded a solo exhibition in an exhibition space at the Saatchi Gallery in 2012. Fifty percent of the money raised in the auction will be returned to the finalists with the remaining fifty percent ensuring the continuation of MOP CAP and Magic of Persia’s other art and education initiatives.