Art is an ever-occurring element of Dazed Digital, part of our DNA and as important as music, fashion and photography. Some would even argue it's the one creative field that in many ways inspire the others. This is of course true for some, and completely irrelevant for others. But what is an established fact is that Dazed Digital just about every day - 52 weeks a year - interview creatives and look closer at exhibitions taking place around the globe. Sure, you're more likely to read about expos in London, Paris, Tokyo or New York - but we take pride in our global network of contributors feeding us information form all over. 

Our commitment to new and upcoming art talent was also evident in the Converse/Dazed Emerging Artists Award, now on its second year. The winner of the 2011 edition, Richard Parry, set up his own arts award shortly after winning ours. His first prize was a one-way plane ticket to Zimbabwe. We're not sure what to make of that, but we're happy to support any sort of creative initiative. In the grander scheme, Dazed Digital has been present at many of the major art events throughout the year; we looked closer at the Venice Biennale when it began back in June, we meticulously covered Frieze, London's art event of year. And recently we profiled some of the fashion brands involved with Art Basel Miami Beach. Here's a selection of stories summing up how Dazed Digital covered the art year 2011...

Harmnony Korine & Rita Ackermann: Shadow Fux
The controversial director and visual artist collaborated on an art show that sought to find the glory in the shadows.

Gilbert & George: The Urethra Postcard Pictures
The art world's most celebrated double act talked about their latest exhibition, their gripes with religion and their undying love of postcards.

Marina Abramovic's Community Center Obod Centinje
The Serbia-born artist sat down with Dazed Digital during the Venice Biennale to lay out the plans for her multi-purpose art space in Montenegro.

Helmut Lang: Make It Hard
The fashion designer famed for his minimal style launched an East Hamptons expo, shredding his clothing archive to make sculptures.

Tom Dixon: Multiplex at The Dock
As part of London Design Week, the furniture design guru played host to a seven day workshop event in his warehouse space in west London.

Jenny Saville: Artists for Women International
Destined for a charity auction at Christie's, Jenny Saville invited Antony Gormley, Bridget Riley and Tracey Emin to create artworks inspired by the female shape, form and power.

David Bailey: Hitler Killed The Duck
The legendary artist reflected on art, life and murder as his first exhibition of paintings revealed a side to him no one had seen yet.

Li Wei and the Lightness of Being
Showcasing 11 years worth of work at this years Lucca Photo Fest, the photographer spoke to us about how he creates his gravity-defying images.

Noel Fielding: The Scribblings of a Madcap Shambleton
The Mighty Boosh comedian discussed animals, art versus comedy and revealed plans for a new TV series together with Sergio Pizzorno from Kasabian.

Hans-Ulrich Obrist x Crunch Festival
Hay-On-Wye's art, culture, film and literature festival boasted appearances from artist Bob & Roberta Smith, musicians British Sea Power and Obrist, the co-director of Hyde Park's Serpentine Gallery, who we chatted with.