In a landmark moment for cultural diplomacy, the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) has honoured celebrated Korean contemporary artist Lee Bul with the esteemed Abu Dhabi Festival Award, spotlighting her transformative impact on the global art landscape.
The award was presented during a special ceremony in Abu Dhabi attended by cultural leaders and members of the international arts community, marking one of the most significant recognitions of a Korean visual artist in the UAE’s cultural calendar.
Known for her innovative practice that bridges sculpture, performance, and installation, Bul was recognised for her visionary contribution to contemporary art and for inspiring cross-cultural dialogue through artistic exploration.
The Abu Dhabi Festival Award is presented annually to individuals whose lifetime achievements have made a profound contribution to arts, culture, and global understanding.
Previous award winners have included world-renowned figures in music, performance, and cultural exchange, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s commitment to celebrating the arts and the excellence involved.
Bul’s award comes at a time of expanded collaboration between ADMAF and Korean cultural institutions. Earlier in 2025, ADMAF partnered with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) on Layered Medium, showcasing a major exhibition charting six decades of Korean contemporary art at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The show brought works by 29 Korean artists, including Lee Bul, to UAE audiences for the first time as part of a three-year cultural programme.
The celebration of Lee Bul’s work, alongside ongoing institutional collaborations, reflects a shared vision of cultural creativity and enriching artistic communities on both sides of the world.
This was a landmark occasion for the artist and also the honorary founding patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Founding Honorary Patron of Abu Dhabi Festival Award).
Follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events and all the hottest updates in the capital and beyond
