Artwork by Mawaheb students on display at The Giving Movement exhibition.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Dubai Culture has been holding a series of events leading upto summer and during the season itself, as part of its mission to preserve the cultural heritage and support the cultural scene in the emirate.

In May, Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, inaugurated ‘Under the Shades of Ghaf’, an art exhibition organised by Ghaf Publishing at Al Safa Art and Design Library.

It celebrated the works of a group of Emirati and UAE-based artists and ran from May 11 to June 2. The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Budoor Al Budoor, Afra Mahmoud and Ameera Bu Kadra, founders of Ghaf Publishing, in addition to the participating artists.

‘Under the Shades of Ghaf’ highlighted artworks across visual art and photography, created by the group of artists who participated in the 2021 ‘Artist of the Month’ initiative launched by Ghaf Publishing.

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Artists included Magdy al-Kafrawi, Salma Al Marri, Feryal Albastaki, Faisal Alrais, Amal Murad and Youssef Al-Qasimi. Ghaf Publishing is an electronic library and a publishing house whose team works to promote select books and republish old works and makes them accessible.

In early June, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, paid a visit to ‘Under the Shades of Ghaf’ exhibition. She was briefed on the contents of the exhibition and praised the efforts of the participating artists, stressing Dubai Culture’s support for initiatives aimed at enriching Dubai’s cultural scene.

Mawaheb, a Dubai-based, non-profit art studio for people of determination of 18 years and above, concluded its participation in ‘Let Live or Let Die’ — a month-long exhibition by The Giving Movement, the region’s first sustainable activewear clothing brand born in the UAE.

The exhibition was held to commemorate Earth Day, presenting an eco-vision of the world. Mawaheb supported the cause with nine paintings created by artists of determination. The Giving Movement partnered with Mawaheb along with other homegrown talents such as Gosha Flowers, Poet Salem Al Attas, Bayt Al Mamzar Art Gallery and Mariam A. Ismail, for the exhibition. It was held in two phases and was hosted at Bayt Al Mamzar gallery in Deira, Dubai.

 Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, during her July visit to Mawaheb.

The first phase (Apr. 8 — 24), showcased floral arrangements through natural elements. The second phase (Apr. 26 – May 10), featured interactive art installations, where Mawaheb students exhibited their artworks.

The initiative sought to strengthen community collaboration to do more for society and the world, making sustainability a reality across the globe. Mawaheb is the place where people of determination can hone their artistic expression, develop life skills, self-confidence and self-esteem, to realise their full potential. The art studio and next-door community cafe are located in Goshi Warehouse Village — Al Quoz 3, Dubai.

In a July visit to Mawaheb, Badri discussed prospects for cooperation between Dubai Culture and Mawaheb, towards supporting the talents of people of determination and enhancing their capabilities. Wemmy de Maaker, Director of Mawaheb, received Badri and her accompanying team and highlighted the studio’s vision and future plans, discussing means of support that Dubai Culture can provide. Badri and her delegation were briefed on the studio’s facilities and observed students creating artwork.

Badri also toured the works of creative talents participating in the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) Graduate Exhibition held in Dubai Design District (d3) (May 25 — June 5) to celebrate the graduating class of 2022. During her visit, she was briefed on the exhibition’s innovative projects that were created and implemented by DIDI’s students.

Later in June, she visited Adi AlFardan Jewellery where she met Adi Al Fardan, the boutique’s founder, who shared his rich experience in jewellery design and manufacture. During the meeting, Badri discussed with Al Fardan prospects of future cooperation between Dubai Culture and the group.

She also toured the jeweller’s gallery and viewed the precious and unique pieces produced by the group, most notably a recent collection, which includes a diamond-encrusted tiara that interchanges into a necklace, diamond necklace and earrings, and a peacock necklace set that reflects the grace and beauty of the bird.

Al Fardan Jewellery is known in the region for its unique designs and high quality. Founded by a family of pearl experts, the brand prides itself on being true to its Emirati heritage, while keeping pace with contemporary trends in design.

Dubai Culture is now (July 19 — 28) preparing to launch its ‘Be Happy, Be Creative’ summer camp in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Throughout the days of the camp, children aged 7 — 12 years, will enjoy a unique journey in the Neighbourhood, which is rich in authentic Emirati heritage.

The programme includes a range of artistic, educational and cultural workshops; tours of the neighbourhood; cinematic performances; puppet theatre; fun sports and entertainment sessions.

Laila Abdulla Belhoush, Director of the summer camp project, said that the initiative is within the framework of the Authority’s cultural responsibility to stimulate creativity and innovation among children and promote a culture of active participation from society members, by integrating art and creativity within the spaces across Dubai.

Camp activities are held daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Events House No. 19 in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and include workshops and courses in Arabic from July 19 — 21 as well as others in English from July 26 — 28.

Registration can be done by emailing Heritage.Sites@dubaiculture.ae, or sending a WhatsApp to +971505502528.