Budding artists of all ages have been developing their creative skills at an empowering, inclusive, and above all fun, Unified Art Workshop at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat.
A collaboration between the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, the U.S. Embassy and AMIDEAST, the program of art sessions will take place regularly over the next four months and will help young people from all ages to develop their creative skills.
Open to all people with and without intellectual disabilities; the first Unified Art Workshop was held this week and was a huge success. Two sessions will take place each month until the end of February next year.
Art, like sport, can unite children through their shared love of creativity, play, exploration, learning new skills, and interaction with others regardless of age or ability.
Each event will be hosted by leading figures from the local, regional and international art scene who will engage the workshop participants in activities that have been carefully designed to expand their artistic talents and to foster an environment of respect, inclusivity and learning.
The Unified Art Workshops are part of a program of community events taking place across the UAE to raise awareness of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, its principals and goals.
The biggest sporting and humanitarian event of the year, the World Games aims to help build a society based around openness and community, which is in line with Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s National Vision for a unified and inclusive society.
By bringing together children and their families to take part in sports, art activities and to play, the World Games is helping to break down cultural and societal barriers.
The Unified Art Workshops, along with unified sporting events, will help the World Games establish a legacy of inclusivity that will benefit youngsters of all ages, backgrounds and abilities for generations to come.
Emirati artist Jaber Alhaddad worked with children at the first workshop and Aisha Alblooshi will be helping to lead the next two workshops on the 10th and 24thNovember.
Mr Alhaddad is known for creating beautiful geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art. He will show youngsters how the shapes can be made using simple lines, dots, circles and thread. Ms Alblooshi is a talented doll and miniatures artist who makes her abstract and artistic creations using different materials and techniques.
The artist Hadeel Al Heeti will host the final workshops of the year on December 8th and 15th. More events are planned for the start of 2019.
Tala Al Ramahi, Chief Strategy Officer at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019, said: “Unified Art Workshops help to bring together people with and without intellectual disabilities for fun, engaging art sessions designed to boost their talents and help them to make new friends. This is a part of our Arts and Culture program aligned with the World Games to provide the community with a platform to break down barriers between people with and without disabilities in order to create art together.
“Activities such as these are important in helping to nurture and develop a sense of community involvement ahead of Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and are an important part of our overall commitment to building a legacy for the Games through initiatives that build an inclusive society for all.”
Scott Bolz, who heads up the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section, said: “We applaud the efforts of the UAE government to promote greater understanding, inclusion, and respect for people of determination and we are thrilled to be partnering with the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and AMIDEAST on this wonderful program.”
Rula Dajani, Country Director of AMIDEAST UAE, said: “It is gives us extreme pleasure to partner with the U.S. Embassy and lend a hand to this distinguished initiative for the Government of Abu Dhabi. Putting a smile on the faces of children is a universal message.”
All the artworks produced during the workshops will be displayed at an Inclusive Art Exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat during the World Games, which will run from 16th – 28th March 2019.
