ASAS fourth edition: major student art show for creativity and innovation

The Annual Student Art Show (ASAS), now in its fourth edition, was hosted on November 9 and 10 at the sprawling Study World Campus, Academic City, Dubai. Organised by Funun Arts Group, Youth Creative Minds Hub and Young Times, the event has solidified its status as the largest student art showcase in the region. It brought together over 1,000 students representing 50 nationalities, 40 volunteers, and the mentorship of 35 acclaimed artists, who celebrated art and innovation. Aligned with the UAE’s visionary framework ‘We the UAE 2031’ the event’s theme ‘Art and Innovation’, underscored the commitment to fostering creativity and technological integration among youth. The two-day extravaganza blended artistic ingenuity with futuristic concepts, providing an immersive platform for budding talents to present their talent.

An art exhibition, 50 different workshops, youth talks, panel discussions, cultural performances and art competitions, filled the schedule. The event was inaugurated by dignitaries including Yaqoob Al Ali, Chairman of Al Ali Group; Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, designer of the UAE Flag; and Laila Rahhal Al Itfani, goodwill ambassador and founder of ‘I am Africa’; Sultana Kazim Farouq Kazim, Global Ambassador of UNESCO International Action Art and Harjyot Oberoi Bohra, Head of Marketing, Khaleej Times. Guests included Ahmed Alhosani, the UAE’s first classical singer; Ahmed Al Awadhi, celebrated Emirati artist and businessman; and several dignitaries from the art fraternity and heads and principals of academic institutions.

The judges, including renowned artists Khalil Abdul Wahid, Faisal Abdul Qader, Akbar Sahib, and Atul Panase, expressed admiration for the creativity displayed, calling the selection of only 15 winners from among 1,000 participants “an exhilarating challenge”. The opening ceremony began with a Quran recitation by students Ibrahim Kharuri and Maymuna Bint Adam Khan, followed by an emotionally charged National Anthem rendition by Ahmed Alhosani. Students from Cedar School, Dubai, enthralled the audience with a cultural dance, showcasing the UAE’s heritage.

Artwork on display at ASAS 2024.

The event continued with performances, including contemporary dances by Dance Central, and an inclusive showcase by SNF Development Center, emphasising the transformative power of inclusivity. A fashion show celebrating historical artists and inventors, added a colourful dimension to the festivities. The pivotal segment, youth talks, featured emerging leaders discussing the transformative synergy of art and technology, encouraging both peers and mentors envision a brighter, innovative future. At the heart of ASAS 2024 was an exhibition of over 1,000 artworks. The pieces, crafted by students from diverse backgrounds, celebrated the fusion of creativity and technology. Visitors witnessed how young artists interpreted the ‘Art and Innovation’ theme, blending imagination with modern tools to address contemporary issues. The event also offered more than 50 interactive workshops. Highlights included Plant Your Passion, organised by The Green Revolution, a workshop which emphasised sustainability by merging art with environmental stewardship; STEAM Workshop by Trusity where participants explored the intersection of science, technology, engineering, art and math through hands-on activities; and robotics workshop by Unique World Robotics, where students delved into robotics, learning to integrate technology and their artistic endeavours. The photography workshop by Nikon was the place where budding photographers honed their storytelling skills through the lens.

At Lippan workshop by Art Splash, participants explored the traditional Indian art of mud-mirror designs, reimagined with a contemporary twist. Mentors also led specialised sessions, nurturing technical skills across various disciplines such as painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The event was made possible by contributions from sponsors Study World Campus, who provided the venue; and Danube Building Materials, who created eco-friendly trophies made from 100 per cent recycled plastic. World Art Dubai, Reem Gallery, Silicon Central Mall, Brownie Point and Unique World Robotics, sponsored awards for top winners. Skribl Box and Pothos Green sponsored art supplies for the workshops and Vhip N Vhisk sponsored the catering.

Creative installations designed by Speed Performance Building Contracting LLC and Al Saqf Al Lamea Technical Services added a touch of innovation to the venue’s ambiance.

The competition culminated in the recognition of winners who were: Category 1: Riyana Shah, Safa Community School, Dubai; Amaira Khushalani, Ambassador International Academy, Dubai; Minha Ali, Delhi Private School, Sharjah

Category 2: Zaria Iftekhar Malik, Dubai Gem Private School, Dubai; Emilia Amedeo, Smart Vision School, Dubai; Mubashir Ahmed Jawad, Al Amal English High School, Sharjah Category 3: Hamdan Lootah, Al Mawakeb Al Khawaneej, Dubai; Riya Chawla, Dubai International Academy; Daniika Meganathan, Dubai Gem Private School

Category 4: Haya Sajjad, International School of Creative Science, Sharjah; Jishnu Ruchir Bhardwaj, Dubai Gem Private School; Faria Mohammed, International School of Creative Science

Global Category Winners: Shamsa Salim Abdullah AlBusaidi, Scientific College of Design, Oman; Pranavi Sridharan, Indian School Muscat; Sweta Guchait, United Public School, India.

Funun Arts Founders Shiba Khan and Farah Khan said that “through visual arts, cultural performances, installations, and interactive exhibitions, ASAS created a platform that promoted dialogue, reflection, and inspiration. The event encouraged visitors to embrace innovation and think critically about the future.” Mohammed Huzaifa Khan of Youth Creative Minds Hub said that “ASAS 2024 was a celebration of talent, where students became catalysts for change, showcasing their abilities in art, innovation, and leadership.” A parent remarked that “this platform allows our children to dream, innovate, and build a future we can all be proud of.” As the curtains fell on ASAS 2024, the message from the event was that the future of art lay in innovation, and the future of innovation lay in the hands of young visionaries.