CREATE 2.0 showcases talents of UAE’s young artists in Dubai event
30 Sep 2023
Artwork on display at the event.
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
CREATE 2.0, the second edition of the Artoze Inter-School Art Exhibition and Competition, presented by Evonith and powered by Magzoid Magazine, recently concluded at the Radisson Red hotel in Silicon Oasis, Dubai. Aiming to inspire the next generation of artists and unlock their artistic potential, young artists from across the UAE displayed their creations in various artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, sculpture and digital art, at the event. “Registrations for CREATE 2.0 flooded in until the closing date of August 31, signifying the widespread enthusiasm for youth art serving as a testament to the UAE’s creative spirit,” the organisers said. “Building upon the tremendous success of its inaugural edition, CREATE 2.0 continues to be a beacon of artistic talent and creativity in the UAE.”
“CREATE 2.0 is a pivotal moment for the art community, celebrating young artists and nurturing emerging talents in the vibrant UAE art scene,” said Khalil Abdulwahid, Emirati artist and Director of Fine Arts at Dubai Culture. “It serves as a platform for creativity, igniting inspiration and contributes to Dubai’s artistic renaissance, underlining its profound impact on aspiring artists.”
CREATE 2.0 blossomed connections and insights, leaving young participants with a memorable experience. The competition illuminated the importance of nurturing collaborations, the need for participation of corporates and reinforcing educational opportunities. It instilled a sense of creative empowerment vis-a-vis budding artists, underscoring the vital role of mentorship and fostering artistic growth and philanthropic initiatives tailored to inspire the next generation of creators.
“In its essence, CREATE 2.0 is committed to fostering a sustainable and inclusive art ecosystem that encourages youthful imagination, celebrates diversity and champions profound social impact, making it a beacon of inspiration in the realm of young artistic talents,” the organisers added. “BFL takes immense pride in its role as the official sponsor of CREATE 2.0,” said Toufic Kreidieh, Co-Founder and CEO of Brands For Less. “The event undeniably encapsulated a magnificent celebration of art and culture and we were overjoyed to have the opportunity to support this dynamic and inspiring assembly of exceptionally talented artists. CREATE 2.0 is more than just an exhibition; it’s a platform that nurtures young minds’ artistic growth and development. It’s about fostering a passion for art and nurturing creativity from an early age. Witnessing these budding talents was truly a remarkable experience, and we look forward to continuing our support for the arts in the UAE.”
Music added a layer of melody.
A distinguished jury panel, consisting of esteemed figures from the arts and culture community, played a crucial role in identifying the talents of the young artists. Khalil Abdulwahid, Director of Fine Arts at Dubai Culture; Faisal AbdulQader, pioneering self-taught Emirati artist; Maria Komal Abie, Head of Art at Dubai Gems Private School; Mona Biswarupa, accomplished visual artist and Samar Kamel, World Art Dubai and internationally acclaimed curator, evaluated the entries, highlighting exceptional talent.
Before the CREATE 2.0 event proper, a prelude unfolded, setting the stage for artistic enchantment that followed. Violinists Aleksandr Vechkanov, Maryia Bukhtsilava and harpist Julie Frankoul serenaded the gallery, where the finalists’ masterpieces were on display. It added a melodious touch to the atmosphere. A Sparkle Station, courtesy Fosc Art, added a playful dimension to the happenings. Young artists not only marvelled at the stunning artwork here, but also had their faces adorned with intricate designs inspired by their creativity.
The event was hosted by Joe Mohan, aka VoiceGuyJoe, who added extra artistic flair and tempo to the proceedings. The audience was treated to a feast of performances that amplified the event energy. The opening and closing acts by TDS (Transformers Dance Studio) electrified the atmosphere with some mesmerising moves. Abhisek Venkat vowed the audience with his soulful solo singing, captivating hearts and The Black Sand Band took the stage, delivering hit songs. Mind Play Artist Shibin Sahadevan left the audience spellbound with his telepathic magic show, adding an extra layer of wonder to the event’s artistic tapestry.
The runners-up and winners of CREATE 2.0 were: Category 1 (Grades 1-4); Winner: Nazmin Rasheed and Runner-Up: Advay Sureka. Category 2 (Grades 5–8): Winner: Nandana Suresh and Runner-Up: Tanusha Sharma. Category 3 (Grades 9–12): Winner: Trisha Mehta and Runner-Up: Vasilisa Konovalova. “The calibre of talent and depth of creativity were undeniably inspiring,” said Anna Nikitina, Marketing Manager, Radisson Red. “It was a distinct honour to be part of this vibrant and dynamic celebration of art and culture.” “The evening celebrated outstanding student talent and creativity, offering a platform for young artists to make their mark. I’m inspired by the organisers’ commitment to nurturing the art scene and look forward to its impact on emerging talent,” said Mohamad El-Salibi, Assistant Marketing Manager, Al-Ain Farms. The winners will be collaborating for more initiatives with supporting brands such as Al Ain Farms, Brands For Less (BFL) and Radisson RED, among others, to create artpieces and objets d’art with the young artists.
“We are thrilled by the incredible talent that emerged from CREATE 2.0,” said a spokesperson from Artoze Gallery. “This competition embodies our dedication to fostering young minds’ artistic growth and development.” Artoze is a virtual art gallery that strives to empower artists and assist them to push the boundaries of their skills by providing an encouraging platform for their talent. A winner of numerous awards, the gallery is also involved in orchestrating strategic brand activations and events that elevate brands.