Creativity and community celebrated by Funun Arts Group at Daftar DIFC

Ramadan, the month of blessings, reflection and togetherness, provided an opportunity for Funun Arts Group to create meaningful connections. In the spirit of giving, and collaborating with Daftar Restaurant with the support of AGH Events, the arts body organised Cherish, an event that blended art and community engagement (March 21). “Now in its 6th edition, Cherish continues to uphold Funun Arts Group’s vision of giving back to society,” said Shiba Khan, Funun Arts Group co-founder. This year, 12 students from SNF Development Center teamed with 12 talented artists from Funun Arts Group to co-create 12 artworks, in a celebration of creativity and inclusivity.

Artists focus on their work.

Vibrant colours and expressive strokes were the hallmarks of the art pieces created; they symbolised happiness, unity, and spoke of the power of art to bring hearts closer together. The event conjoined not only artists and students, but also a wider community that believed in the transformative power of art. Each artwork stood as a testament to the collaboration of young talents and experienced artists; it was a showcase of imagination, dedication, skill and outreach. As the day progressed, artists and students immersed themselves in the creative process, sharing ideas, laughter, and inspiration. Shiba Khan along with Farah Khan, co-founder of Funun Arts Group, talked about their relationship to the initiative.

Artists and supporters at the Cherish event.

“We have been working with SNF Development Center for the past eight years, and each interaction with their incredible students has been a learning experience. They are highly talented, expressive, and bring boundless energy to art,” said the Khans. The event was more than just an artistic endeavour — it was a platform where students of determination could freely and unrestrictedly express themselves through the universal language of art. Therefore, the artworks were not only visually treats, but also had deep emotional significance, since they reflected personal stories, dreams, and aspirations. Daftar Restaurant, DIFC, emphasised the importance of supporting noteworthy causes. Isheeta Sharma, founder, Daftar Restaurant, said that “the best gift we can give to others is to put a smile on their face. Children are the future of tomorrow, and in the spirit of Ramadan, we are honoured to welcome them to Daftar for this special event, along with Funun Arts Group and SNF Center kids.” Participating artists included Alina Babenko, Chandralekha Dubey, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Jyoti Devdhar, Maryna Futymska, Mukta Choubisa, Pari Sagar, Parvin Fathi, Ranjisha Raghavan, Stefania Pomillo, Tumpa Banerjee, and Walaa Mohamed.

Artists with their creations.

Students who took part from SNF Development Center were Aryan Ghansham Narwani, Dhiren Bhatia, Elbin Alias, Heba Ali Khan, Ijjas Nauphal, Jeevika Singh, Kalpana Vyas, Mansha Advani, Mohamed Avais, Sachio Dsouza, Samiksha Nair, and Salem Salim. Each artist-and-student pair allowed for an exchange of perspectives. Students gained insights into professional artistic techniques, while the artists were deeply moved by the enthusiasm and creativity of their young counterparts. The synergy between them resulted in artwork that was not only aesthetic, but also encapsulated emotions, personal growth, revealing the joy of joint creation.

Thumbs up to art.

Farah Khan, who is also Creative Designer of Funun Arts Group, expressed her gratitude to supporters and partners. “A strong team makes an event successful, and we are thankful for the unwavering support of our community,” she said. Mehnaz Bari, Manager of SNF Development Center, expressed her thanks to Funun Arts Group for their support over the past eight years. Parents of students were overwhelmed to see the smiles and happiness on their children’s faces, and witnessing the joy and fulfillment the event brought them.

One of the parents said that “this type of event and activity boosts the confidence of our children and gives them happiness, which is most precious.” Cherish was supported by gift partners, who ensured that each participant was provided with a token of appreciation. Gift partners included Rahmah Fawad, a young entrepreneur who provided handmade goodies; Dr. Mankush Srivastava, an artist who created customised art bags for students; Art Splash (Aditi), who provided aprons for participants; and Creative Cave (Anum Sultana), who designed branded key chains as souvenirs.

Cherishing flowers.

Guests also enjoyed a delicious Iftar meal, and on the sidelines, engaged in meaningful conversations about art, inclusivity, and the importance of initiatives like Cherish to develop a more compassionate society. The paintings created during the event were symbols of the power of collaboration and the boundless possibilities that arise, when people come together for a noble cause. Cherish celebrated the spirit of art, inclusion, and emphasised the essence of Ramadan — compassion, generosity, and togetherness. It was a reminder that art can heal, connect, and transform lives.

The memories created during the evening linger on, continuing to inspire, and radiating the message of positive community interaction. Funun Arts Group is an arts community dedicated to promoting and supporting artists in the UAE and beyond. Through exhibitions, workshops, and collaborative events, it aims to foster a vibrant arts scene and provide a platform for artists to showcase their work. The Group is known for its commitment to nurturing both established and emerging artists, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and creative expression.

Daftar is a retreat in the heart of Dubai’s DIFC, offering more than just Indian cuisine — it commemorates flavours, stories, and shared moments. Inspired by the Hindi/Urdu word for “office” and the Arabic word for “notebook”, Daftar reminds one of the joy of gathering over meals. It has been seen that art nurtures not only the artistic talents of special needs children, but also builds their self-esteem, sharpens social skills, and enhances their ability to focus, empowering them.