Filipino artist Jayson Soberon has been named the winner of the sixth edition of the Murals and Art Competition “Art for Change” hosted by The Waterfront Market in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority. The competition, integral to the COP28 vision for sustainability and the ‘Year of Sustainability,’ aims to inspire artists to create murals that drive positive environmental change.
Soberon was awarded a prize of AED 30,000 for his mural titled ‘Sustainability’, which will be permanently displayed at the Waterfront Market. His work, inspired by this year’s UAE slogan for sustainability “Today for tomorrow”, encompasses themes of renewable energy, affordable food, water conservation, recycling, and economic growth, underscoring the impact of present actions on sustainable development goals.
Expressing his joy and honor, Soberon highlighted the importance of his mural in celebrating the UAE’s commitment to environmental efforts and ensuring a sustainable future. Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, praised Soberon’s artistic talent and the powerful message his mural conveys, emphasizing Dubai Culture’s dedication to merging art and sustainability. Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market Associate Director, also commended Soberon’s work for its impactful portrayal of sustainability themes.
Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director of the Fine Arts Department at Dubai Culture, said: “Dubai Culture is dedicated to fostering an environment where art and sustainability flourish in unison. Today, we celebrate the artistic ability of Jayson Soberon, but also the profound message his mural embodies. Projects like this can help ensure that the narrative of conservation and care is further woven into the fabric of our society. There is a great power in art that we are always keen to tap into as Dubai further makes its voice heard as a global centre of culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.”
Mohammad Al Madani, Waterfront Market Associate Director, said: “In this year’s Murals competition, our emphasis was on inspiring artists to catalyze positive societal change and raise awareness about environmental issues. The submissions were truly remarkable, showcasing diverse perspectives on ongoing efforts and future directions for ensuring environmental well-being. Jayson’s artwork particularly stood out, skillfully highlighting various sustainable themes. We are proud to collaborate with Dubai Culture on this competition to provide a platform for artists to unite, fostering discussions and driving impactful positive change in our communities.”