Art be a Part, Dubai Cares, UNICEF join hands for less privileged children
- 07 Oct 2023
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Proceeds from the second Art be a Part auction, gala dinner and exhibition which took place recently in Taj Business Bay, Dubai, raised over Dhs600,000 for Dubai Cares and UNICEF’s programme in India.
It will be directed towards launching an art-based education programme for underprivileged children in India by UNICEF in partnership with Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI).
Taj Business Bay is part of the Downtown Ventures group, the main event sponsor. The occasion featured artwork from around the world. Among the artworks auctioned was a sculpture by world-renowned contemporary Italian artist Lorenzo Quinn, son of Hollywood legend Anthony Quinn, which was sold for Dhs360, 000. Titled ‘Give’, it portrays the hand of a man joining that of a woman, symbolising the essence of giving, and conveying a message of peace, hope and trust. Anthony Quinn has starred in such films as ‘The Message’, ‘Lion of the Desert’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.
Medha Nanda, Founder, Art be a Part said: “This pioneering education programme will benefit children from across India, including children of determination, and those living in remote areas. We are delighted to be supporting this programme by UNICEF and Dubai Cares, which crucially addresses the most vitally important requirements of underprivileged children in India, particularly those from marginalised communities.” Nanda is an artist herself and puts her passion to good use for philanthropy. She is establishing a global network that unites gifted and skilled artists from diverse nationalities and cultures, offering them a platform to support causes that resonate with them.
Amal Al Redha, Director of Donor Relations and Partnerships at Dubai Cares, said: “The focus on art-based education makes this initiative especially meaningful - it does not only seek to dismantle barriers but also aspires to cultivate inclusive learning environments that foster creativity, diversity, and holistic development.” Rahul Bansal, Head of Private Sector Partnerships & Fundraising, UNICEF India, said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Art be a Part and Dubai Cares for their invaluable and consistent support. Their commitment is instrumental in advancing our mission to provide quality education and create inclusive environments for children.”
Fairuz Taqi-Eddin, Chief of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization to UNICEF Gulf Area Office in Dubai, commented: “By uniting artists, philanthropists, and the broader community, this initiative can create a positive impact and contribute to UNICEF’s efforts for the well-being of every child in India.” Richard Beighton, Chief, Resource Mobilization and Partnerships at UNICEF India said: “We are thankful to have advocates such as Medha Nanda, whose support will enable us to persist in providing fresh opportunities to children throughout India.”
The exhibition, curated by Neel Shukla, featured artists from the UAE, Italy, India, Chile, Iran, Japan, Ecuador, South Africa, Germany, Italy, US, Ukraine, Spain, Singapore and Mexico. They included 27-year-old Emirati artist Maryam Sharaf, whose life experiences have fuelled her creativity; she has developed a signature style, characterised by the use of mediums such as acrylic, oil, and marker colours. Ukrainian contemporary artist Maria Lys creates artwork using traditional painting, fluid art, epoxy resin, gold and silver leaves. Their colour and joie de vivre are designed to appeal to the senses. The international line-up of artists also included American Michael Steinbrick, whose paintings have brought busy New York City street scenes to life and Mumbai-born Akshita Lad, now based in Dubai, where she studies at the Lotus Educational Institute, and Iranian calligrapher Habibeh Mousavi.
Quinn said: “I know Dubai has a thriving art scene. I felt my sculpture ‘Give’, was an appropriate choice, as it seeks to evoke peace on our planet, which has been deeply impacted by the pandemic, and faces the threat of social tensions, wars, and famine.” The artist is best known for expressive recreations of human hands. His latest sculpture was crafted using innovative materials, including resin and recycled components, reflecting a commitment to explore new and experimental avenues in art, while promoting eco-consciousness.
His work is inspired by masters such as Michelangelo, Bernini and Rodin. “We are thrilled that Lorenzo has joined our international community of artists, and enormously grateful that he chose to make such a generous and inspiring contribution to our fundraising efforts for Dubai Cares and UNICEF,” Nanda said. The evening climaxed with a performance by Ronan Keating, whose international hit single ‘When You Say Nothing At All’, was featured in the film, ‘Notting Hill’. The former Boyzone boy band member has been a charity campaigner for the Marie Keating Foundation, named after his mother. He has sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
Art be a Part aims to help upcoming artists who need a platform to be seen. “When people are thinking of buying art, we want to be the first name that comes to mind, for adding value to their investment,” says Nanda. “It is a community dedicated to supporting humanitarian causes, and wants to provide help where it is needed most urgently, such as in areas that are under distress due to natural disaster or war and particularly assist vulnerable children,” Nanda adds. Dubai Cares has been working towards providing children and youth in developing countries with access to quality education through the design and funding of programmes that aim to be impactful, sustainable, and scalable. To date, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation has successfully launched education programmes reaching over 21 million beneficiaries in 60 developing countries.