Art of giving: Medha Nanda’s Art be a Part unites art and philanthropy

Art be a Part has a motto: passionate about art, driven by purpose. Founded by Medha Nanda, a creative who has had a long innings in art and philanthropy, she transitioned from fashion to the fine arts upon relocating to Dubai, dedicating herself to painting and founding Art be a Part, where her love for art fuels her commitment to philanthropic endeavour. Earlier, her private fashion label had a clientele of film stars and leaders from the business and political spheres.

“Art be a Part was founded on the belief that art and philanthropy are catalysts for societal change,” says Nanda. “It seeks to empower communities through a culture of mindful giving. AbaP creates value-driven art and humanitarian initiatives, including galas, exhibitions, and auctions, that support emerging talent, inspire art, and promote artists who are making a significant impact.” AbaP’s most recent major initiative was the Art be a Part Gala 2024 in Dubai (Nov. 6), which raised Dhs1.5 million through a live auction featuring 15 exclusive art pieces. All proceeds of the auction went to Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and UNICEF India. “This will impact thousands of children with unique abilities in India, offering them meaningful opportunities for education and empowerment,” says Nanda.

Art Be A Part and UNICEF India members visit Gujarat in India.

“We are extremely driven by purpose to support causes that need dire attention and find value driven philanthropy to drive it. We seek to empower the artistic community with a purpose and connecting philanthropists with the right cause to support. Philanthropy in the arts enriches both cultural and social landscapes.” Medha Nanda speaks about her art and organisation to Gulf Today

What made you establish Art be a Part?

We met an artist named Elena Fedosenko, who relied on selling her artwork to make ends meet — and still supported a cause and paid it forward. That’s when we noticed the gap between art and philanthropy that inspired our vision of bridging that gap came to life.

Can you explain the name Art be a Part?

It’s about truly becoming part of the art and artist community. While many of us admire art and follow artists, we rarely get the chance to actively engage with their world. If you’re an artist, you can join our vibrant artist community, and if you’re an art admirer or collector, you can support our artists and their causes by purchasing artwork and becoming a valued member of our supporter community.

Medha Nanda is based in Dubai.

Can you sum up your organisation’s achievements?

Over the past three years, we have raised Dhs2.5 million for Dubai Cares and UNICEF India to support education programmes for children with special needs in three states in India through the auction of 60 artworks. Remarkably, in 2024, we exceeded our target a year ahead of schedule, tripling the success of the previous year.

Are you an artist yourself? If so, do you create realistic, abstract or other form of work?

Yes, that’s how it all began! I love creating abstract forms, and my favourite approach is experimenting with different sizes of canvases and frames, letting the variations inspire unique compositions.

Who are the artists you like? Why?

Sayed Haider Raza is my favourite! His colourful, geometric designs are so inspiring — they never fail to spark creativity in me.

How has your family impacted your life as an arts promoter?

My family and friends have supported my vision from day one. My sister, Ratika, is the co-founder of Art be a Part — I had the idea, and she gave it structure and brought it to life. My husband and daughters have always been by my side; in fact, my daughters even sang at our last gala, becoming the stars of the show!

How will you compare and contrast India’s, where you hail from, and the UAE’s art worlds?

Both art worlds are incredibly diverse; however, India’s art is deeply rooted in its rich history, diverse cultural and religious heritage, and strong connection to nature. The UAE’s art scene is relatively young and modern, showcasing a fascinating blend of cosmopolitan lifestyles with Islamic heritage, reflecting its unique cultural evolution.

Do you have a team to help you, or is Art be a Part a one-woman effort?

None of what we’ve achieved would have been possible without the incredible team behind us! We started primarily with volunteers in the first two years, who generously contributed their expertise and time. Today, we’re proud to have a dedicated full-time team and a board of advisors driving our continued success.

What else would you like to do to promote art?

In 2025, we aim to host more art exhibitions, starting with our upcoming exhibition, Cricket’s Greatest Canvas, by Indian artist Paresh Maity. This is just the beginning, as we plan to organise many more exhibitions throughout the year to celebrate art and creativity. We want to promote all artists, up and coming and well known, removing the limits of representation and giving everyone an equal platform.

How do you assess an artwork’s auctionability or saleability?

Don’t just follow trends — art is personal and subjective. That’s why we curate a diverse range of artworks, including photography, sculptures and paintings, to suit all tastes and budgets. With the help of our curator, Neel Shukla, who has a great eye for detail and a deep understanding of the UAE art scene, we’ve created an auction catalogue we’re truly proud of.