The Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, in partnership with the Rhodes Island School of Design, runs the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Emerging Artists Fellowship (SEAF), a 10-month artistic education and development program that supports approximately 15 emerging UAE-based artists each year.

The SEAF program aims to identify and nurture emerging artists in the UAE and provide them with artistic and technical knowledge and professional skills. The program is consistent with the Foundation’s ambitions to establish a more connected community of emerging artists in the UAE and encourage graduate studies in the arts.

Through the partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the world’s most prestigious art universities, the program includes:

• An innovative suite of academic courses;
• Technical skills workshops;
• Professional skills trainings;
• Studio and exhibition practicum;
• A cross cultural trip to an international destination; and
• Creative production grants.

Upon completion of the program, selected artists who are also able to gain admission to the Rhode Island School of Design are provided with a full scholarship to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts.

Graduates join a growing community of emerging artists in the UAE and many have taken advantage of opportunities to participate in the Foundation’s various other arts initiatives.