Mawhibaty: Students shine at Abu Dhabi art fair

Abu Dhabi: The ‘Mawhibaty Student Showcase’ has officially opened at Manarat Al Saadiyat, showcasing the creations of over 200 students who participated in the visual arts component of this year’s talent development programme.

A partnership between the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) will showcase more than 500 artworks until 20 August.

The event is open to the public from 10am to 8pm.

The Mawhibaty Students Showcase provides a platform for students from Abu Dhabi public, private and charter schools to showcase their artistic talents.

This year’s exhibition showcases their skills across a variety of mediums, including graphic design, illustration, painting, sculpture, photography and calligraphy.

The sixth edition of the exhibition provided opportunities for students to showcase their creativity and act as a catalyst for their artistic development.

DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak highlighted the emirate’s commitment to nurturing the creative talents of its youth.

The DCT Abu Dhabi-ADEK partnership brings together the best resources in the field of arts education.

Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education, Chairman of the Federal Agency for Early Education and Chairman of ADEK, highlighted the importance of the exhibition in fostering creativity in Abu Dhabi’s education ecosystem.

Talented students use their art to become future ambassadors of their heritage, expressing pride in their national identity while paying homage to the rich history and culture of the region, she said.

The showcase recognizes the dedication of gifted students, inspirational faculty and support staff throughout the year.

In addition to the annual student showcase, the Mawhibaty program offers students the opportunity to showcase their work at regional and international exhibitions, including Comic-Con, Expo 2020 and New York Jewelry Festival.

The Mawhibaty Student Concert takes place May 4-6 at the Cultural Foundation Theater ahead of the opening of the 2023 Student Showcase.

Some 200 students, including six determined students, showcased their skills in ballet, singing, drama, music and traditional performing arts. The concert showcases the immense talent and dedication of these young artists.

Since its launch in 2017, the Mawhibaty program has played a pivotal role in extra-curricular activities, discovering and nurturing emerging artistic talent in Abu Dhabi.

In addition, Mawhibaty showcases the Emirati artistic traditions through arts and performances, thereby deepening understanding and pride in national and cultural identity.

Throughout the year-round programme, students will attend training sessions led by skilled arts professionals at DCT Abu Dhabi cultural centres, including Marsam Al Hor, Cultural Foundation’s Art Center for Children, Art Studios at Manarat Al Saadiyat , Bait Al Oud, Berkeley Abu Dhabi and Al Qattara Arts Center.

Gulf News interviewed young students who participated in the exhibition.

Raghad Kamel Al Taweel from Grade 9 of Aysha Bint Abubaker School told gulf news: “In the beginning, I drew everything, no theme or story. My family realized that I had to take care of my talents, and they encouraged me and provided me with all the advice and materials I needed.”

Her family encouraged her to participate in the Mawhibaty exhibit. “I hope to one day see my first gallery open and show the world how I can share meaningful messages through art.”

Sham Dia Shuja, 16, who studies at Al Manhal Private School, said: “I have loved drawing since I was a child and I am grateful to my family who have given me all the support and help to develop my talents.

“Also thanks to my talent show organizers for their endless support. I paint in the Clerk method; what encourages me to do so is my extensive reading of this type of art.”

Maryam Balaith, another 9th grader studying at the Aspen School, said: “I have been drawing since I was a child. My family saw my love for this talent, so they helped me a lot. The biggest support I got Fine art and painting from school, which helped me a lot to learn the rules and basics of painting. I want to be a decorator and painter with my own painting style and become a master of international art exhibitions.”

Mariam Hamad Aljzawe told Gulf News: “When I was a little girl, I started to discover my talent for drawing when I drew with pencils. I had a lot of support from friends, relatives and family. I hope to have a gallery and A studio to exhibit my paintings.”

Hoor Al Naqbi, a Year 9 student, wants to be a professional photographer. She said: “I have a hobby of photography. I started at the age of 10. I fell in love with it at the age of 12. I got a lot of help and endless encouragement from my mother and aunt. Their support and encouragement promoted my hobby. develop.

“They invited me to Mawhibaty’s talent show to show visitors my humble work. My school was also very supportive as I was included in a group of girls who were photography enthusiasts.”

“In the future, I hope to become a professional photographer and shoot models and commercials on social networking sites such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube,” she said.