The Mawhibaty Students Showcase has opened at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi, featuring over 500 artworks by more than 200 students. The exhibition, a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), runs until August 20 and is open to the public from 10am to 8pm.
Key Takeaways
- Over 500 artworks by more than 200 students are on display.
- The exhibition is a collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi and ADEK.
- The event runs until August 20 and is open to the public.
A Platform for Young Talent
The Mawhibaty Students Showcase serves as a platform for students from public, private, and charter schools across Abu Dhabi to express their artistic talents. This year’s exhibition features a variety of mediums, including graphic design, illustration, painting, sculpture, photography, and calligraphy.
Fostering Creativity
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasized the emirate’s commitment to nurturing the creative talents of its youth. Sara Musallam, Minister of State for Early Education and ADEK Chairwoman, highlighted the significance of the exhibition in fostering creativity within Abu Dhabi’s education ecosystem.
Future Ambassadors
The talented students become future ambassadors of their traditions through their art, expressing their pride in their national identity while paying homage to the region’s rich history and culture. The showcase honors the dedication of gifted students, inspiring teachers, and supportive staff throughout the year.
Year-Round Opportunities
In addition to the annual Students Showcase, the Mawhibaty program provides students with opportunities to present their artworks in regional and international exhibitions, including Comic Con, Expo2020, and the Jewels Festival in New York. The program also includes training sessions led by skilled art professionals at various cultural centers in Abu Dhabi.
Student Voices
Gulf News spoke to several young students participating in the exhibition:
- Raghad Kamel Al Taweel, Grade 9, Aysha Bint Abubaker School: “My family encouraged me to join the Mawhibaty exhibition. I would like to see my first ever gallery opening one day and to show the world how I can share meaningful messages through arts.”
- Sham Dia Shuja, 16, Al Manhal Private School: “I love drawing since I was young, and I thank my family who provided all the support and assistance for me to develop my talents.”
- Maryam Balaith, Grade 9, Aspen School: “I started drawing when I was a little girl. My family noticed my love for this talent, so they helped me a lot. I would like to become a decorator and painter with my own style of drawing and the owner of an international exhibition of paintings.”
- Mariam Hamad Aljzawe: “I began to discover my talent for drawing when I was drawing with a pencil when I was a little girl. I received a lot of support from friends, relatives, and family. I hope in the future to own a gallery and a studio to display my paintings.”
- Hoor Al Naqbi, Grade 9: “I have a hobby of photography. I started when I was 10 years old. Fell in love with it when I was 12. I found great help and unlimited encouragement from my mother and aunt. In the future, I hope to be a professional photographer and shoot models and advertisements on social networking sites.”
Nurturing Talent
Since its inception in 2017, the Mawhibaty program has played a pivotal role in after-school activities, discovering and nurturing emerging artistic talents across Abu Dhabi. The program fosters a deeper understanding of and pride in national and cultural identity by showcasing the UAE’s artistic traditions through art and performance.
Throughout the year, students participate in training sessions led by skilled art professionals at DCT Abu Dhabi’s cultural centers, including Marsam Al Hor, the Children’s Art Center at the Cultural Foundation, the Art Studio at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Bait Al Oud, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and Al Qattara Arts Center.
Message Through Art
The Mawhibaty Students Showcase not only highlights the artistic talents of young students but also serves as a platform for them to convey meaningful messages through their art. The exhibition is a testament to the dedication and support of families, teachers, and the broader community in nurturing the next generation of artists.
