Call for
Submissions
Art
Publications
About
Embracing diversity in contributions, the project enriches the discourse on local visual arts and elevates Saudi Arabia's global profile, fostering cross-cultural exchange and deeper international appreciation of its vibrant art scene.
Open Calls & Topics
Adult’s Book
We seek the expertise of experienced analytical researchers, art historians, and writers who possess an extensive understanding of visual arts within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The content shall provide a comprehensive and multi-dimensional exploration of Saudi Arabia's visual arts scene. The book is structured into chapters, each meticulously delving into various forms/mediums of artistic expression within the visual arts.
The evolution of diverse art mediums in Saudi Arabia has undergone an ever-evolving journey, marked by the emergence and ascent of various practices at different times. While crafting a precise chronological sequence can be a challenging task, the objective of this book is to provide a comprehensive exploration of these varied artistic practices, with a keen focus on the distinctive context and global influences shaping the artistic landscape.
To apply, choose the topic of your contribution and follow the submission process.
Children’s Book
The Visual Arts Commission (VAC), part of the Ministry of Culture (MOC), is thrilled to announce an open call for children's book authors and illustrators. We are in search of imaginative authors with a deep grasp of Saudi Arabian visual arts and talented illustrators who can collaborate effectively with the authors to execute an entertaining, educational, and interactive book for children from 6 to 8 years old.
The size of the book can vary between 50 to 100 pages with a total word count of 1500 words and 50 visuals. Overall, there will be one author and one illustrator allocated upon submission for this open call.
Applicants are invited to select from one of the three below-mentioned editorial directions or blend elements from them, as they see fit.
Timeline
It is important to take note of these key dates
Open Call Closes
January 10, 2024
Initial Draft Submission
March 20, 2024
Second Draft Deadline
April 06, 2024
Final Draft Deadline
April 20, 2024
Requirements for each open call
Adult’s Book
Writers are required to submit the application form along with an abstract of 500 words that articulates the chosen topic and the arguments made. The abstract should also clearly state the proposed working title for the essay (if you wish to change the title). Moreover, up to three previously published texts and a brief biography are required.
Children’s Book
Writers are required to submit the application form along with an abstract of 500 words that articulates their editorial direction, whether it is from the suggested list above (check the Open Calls & Topics section) or from personal preference by blending elements from the suggested topics. The abstract should also elaborate on the sort of interactive material that will be included, in addition to clearly stating a proposed working title for the book.
Illustrators should be able to bring the chosen editorial direction to life through visually engaging and captivating illustrations. The artwork should not only complement the text but also enhance the overall reading experience, making the book visually appealing to our young audience. Illustrators are encouraged to incorporate rich elements of Saudi Arabian visual arts, culture, and heritage into their illustrations. They are required to submit the application form along with three work samples.
For both writers and illustrators, a brief biography is required upon submission.
Guidelines
- Submissions can be in either Arabic or English to accommodate a diverse range of contributors and readers.
- Writers from Saudi Arabia (nationals and residents) and from around the world, regardless of nationality, are encouraged to submit their abstracts.
- The number of entries by each applicant is unlimited. However, kindly note that you must submit a separate application form for each work.
A specialized committee will assess abstracts based on their analytical rigor, originality, and alignment with the selected thematic section.
Our assessment will be based on the following key factors:
• Adherence to Timelines: Punctuality is of utmost importance.
• Content: We enthusiastically welcome submissions that exhibit research-driven innovative approaches, critical engagement with the art, and utilize various formats to address the chosen topics.
• Impact: We highly prioritize contributions that can provide fresh and enlightening perspectives on the subject matter.
Once selected, contributors will be asked to submit their full contribution and to identify visuals that can complement and enhance the content of their text. Essays are subject to editorial comments and revisions, with a maximum of three drafts. Please note that the project’s team will handle all aspects related to publishing rights, including the possibility of commissioning photographers if deemed necessary.
Application Forms & Inquiries
• Adult’s Book application form
• Writers for the Children’s Book application form
• Illustrators for the Children’s Book application form
For any inquiries, please contact us at vac.program@moc.gov.sa
Terms and Conditions
When applying on the website, https://engage.moc.gov.sa/vac_books_development, you, as a participant, agree to comply with the following terms and conditions:
General Terms
• The contribution should not contradict the provisions and principles of Islamic law and public morals.
• The contribution should not conflict with any local or international laws, rights, regulations, or encourage any form of violation of such rights, regulations, or laws.
• Submitting a contribution does not imply its registration as intellectual property.
• The Ministry of Culture has the right to publish information deemed appropriate about participants and the project on the website and its social media accounts.
• The Ministry of Culture reserves the right to suspend, delay, cancel, or change the terms and conditions at any time without prior notice. Participants are responsible for checking updates. The Ministry will not announce changes to these terms and conditions.
Participation Terms
• Participation is open to individuals of all nationalities, including Saudis, residents, and international participants.
• Participants must be 21 years or older.
• Participants must maintain complete honesty throughout all stages of the competition.
• Contributions must be unique and innovative; repeated contributions will not be accepted.
• Participants must submit contributions and all required documents through the website, following the specified file formats during registration. Contributions and required documents not submitted through the website will not be accepted.
• The Ministry of Culture is not responsible for any fees related to application submission.
• The decision of the selection committee members is final and cannot be contested. The Visual Arts Commission reserves the right to delay announcements for any reason. Applying does not guarantee project acceptance.
• The winning participant agrees to sign a contract detailing intellectual property and copyright terms, which are an integral part of the agreement.
• A financial prize will be awarded to the accepted candidate upon completion of the final version of the project (text/illustrations).
Intellectual Property
• The participant guarantees the authenticity of the contribution and that no one else owns the intellectual property rights to the contribution.
• The accepted contributions in their final form become the property of the Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission, with the right to register their intellectual property.
• The Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission retains detailed files attached to the contribution by the participant.
• The winner grants the Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission or any other party appointed by the Ministry a permanent, non-exclusive, transferable license to use the selected texts/illustrations for this project.
• The participant agrees that the Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission or any third party authorized by it may publish the contribution on the website or any other media, including current and future platforms such as websites, mobile, television, radio, etc. The participant also agrees to its use in promotional campaigns and all available advertising methods.
• The contribution, along with any additional information provided by the participant, must be personal and specific to them. The participant acknowledges that all information provided does not violate intellectual property, private rights, privacy, or any other rights of any third party. The Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission reserves the right to reject or exclude contributions and hold the participant accountable for any harm incurred by the Ministry.
• The Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission does not assume any intellectual property rights claimed by the participant and is not responsible for any legal liability related to intellectual property for materials uploaded to the website, which may constitute a violation of registered intellectual property rights.
Legal Responsibility
By submitting the final selected content (text/illustrations) for this project, the applicant acknowledges and agrees to the following terms regarding intellectual property and copyright:
• These terms and conditions are subject to the regulations applied in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and relevant judicial authorities in Riyadh will address any disputes arising from the contribution.
• In case of a dispute over intellectual property ownership or any other dispute, the participant releases the Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission from any responsibilities for any material or moral damages resulting from it, and the participant alone bears full responsibility.
• The Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission is not responsible for any material losses or damages resulting from participation on the website.
• The Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission is not responsible for any legal actions taken against the participant if any regulations or rules are violated before official authorities.
• The participant acknowledges that all entered data is accurate. In case of discrepancies, the participant bears full responsibility and must inform the Ministry of Culture of any changes.
• The Ministry of Culture/Visual Arts Commission is not responsible if incorrect or inaccurate information is provided due to human errors or technical malfunctions such as data loss, transfer delays, deletions, or faults in the telephone line, computer, network, or related equipment.
Applicants must carefully review the terms and direct any questions to vac.program@moc.gov.sa.
By submitting the content, applicants confirm their understanding and acceptance of these terms.