At Magic of Persia’s Dubai Gala on 11th April 2009, six Finalists were announced for the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize by Sheena Wagstaff, Chief Curator of Tate Modern in London.

The Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize is the first award to globally recognise the talent of emeging Iranian artists, many of whom have had little exposure on the competitive international art scene. To ensure the highest possible quality of submissions, entry was solely by nomination. The Nominators consisted of 47 leading experts from within the Iranian and international arts community, and nominated more than 130 artists who submitted over 500 artworks across four categories: Painting, Photography, Sculpture and New Media.

The distinguished panel of Judges reviewed all of the entries online, before deciding upon the Shortlist of 34 artists who were invited to send their works to Dubai for judging.  After much deliberation, the judges decided upon the Finalists, who were announced by Sheena Wagstaff at Magic of Persia’s Magical Nights in Dubai charity gala and auction on 11th April 2009.

The Finalists are:

Farhad Ahrarnia
Mahmoud Bakhshi Moakhar
Vahid Chamani
Sahand Hesamiyan
Abbas Kowsari
Newsha Tavakolian

Sheena Wagstaff said:
"The Jury was impressed by the broad scope and sheer diversity of extraordinary new work being created by young Iranian artists. We are thrilled to know that this inaugural year of the Magic of Persia Contemporary Art Prize is the first of a long term commitment to giving prominence to the remarkable creative energy that infuses contemporary art by Iranian artists, six of whom we have selected as Finalists."

The Finalists will be exhibited at the Royal College of Art in London, 15-17th October 2009, in time to coincide with the opening of the Frieze Art Fair. A final winner will then be chosen and will be awarded the opportunity for a solo exhibition at a major London contemporary art gallery. The finalists’ works will be auctioned by Christie's in benefit of the participating artists, and Magic of Persia’s art initiatives, including a number of art scholarships for young Iranian artists at distinguished art institutions in the UK, such as the London Film School and the Royal Court