9th ADU Art for Autism Competition highlights power of artistic expression in fostering social inclusion
5 May 2025 19:50
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi University (ADU) has hosted the 9th edition of its Art for Autism Competition at its main campus. The event, held in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Emirates Autism Society (EAS), aligns with the UAE's agenda for promoting social inclusion and the National Strategy for empowering People of Determination (PoD).Held in conjunction with Autism Awareness Month and the global Light It Up Blue campaign, the competition sought to spotlight extraordinary talents of individuals on the autism spectrum, fostering a deeper public understanding through the transformative power of art.This year's competition welcomed more than 110 artworks submitted by students from inclusive schools and specialised centres across the UAE. With no set theme, artists were encouraged to explore their creativity freely, leading to a rich tapestry of unique creations. The artworks were exhibited in ADU's main atrium and carefully reviewed by a jury panel. Winners were then selected across two age categories, 6 to 11 and 12 to 25, and honoured for their creativity, technique, and personal expression.In the 6 to 11 age category, first place was awarded to Khalil Amro Barakat, Latifa Ahmed Alqaydi, and Ahmad Loikov, from the Dubai Autism Center. Second place went to Nasek Alsabah from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Khorfakkan branch. Third place was shared by Selim Sarili from Dubai Autism Center and Razan Qasem from Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Khorfakkan branch.In the 12 to 25 age category, first place was shared by Lance Gavin Toledo, Rawdha Al Bahrani, and Ghaith Ali Hassan, from the Dubai Autism Center. Second place was awarded to Aaliya Siddiqui Khan and Dinal Ekanayake from the Al Noor Training Centre for People of Determination, as well as Hamdan Salem Almarri from the Dubai Autism Center. Third place winners included Rohithparithi Ramokrishan, Vaideesh Vinioth from the Al Noor Training Centre, and Maha Almazroui from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Special Education.Huda Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), said, "We are delighted to continue our partnership with ADU through launching the ninth edition of the 'Art for Autism' competition. This collaboration reflects ADU's strong commitment to social responsibility and development as we work together to support individuals with autism and enable their full integration into society within a nurturing environment."She added, "For over two decades, ADMAF has built platforms for creative and innovative thinking, guided by our deep belief in investing in people. Our work focuses on two fundamental pillars: investing in youth and appreciating and developing the capabilities of people of determination. This initiative forms part of our ongoing programme, Culture of Determination: Together for Inclusion, which features diverse artistic, community, and educational events, including the 'Stories of Inclusion' dialogue series, highlighting the integrated national system supporting the inclusion and empowerment of people of determination to contribute to the country's renaissance and leadership regionally and globally."Professor Ghassan Aouad, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University, said, "At ADU, we believe inclusion is not just a principle - it's a practice that shapes thriving communities. The Art for Autism Competition goes beyond showcasing creativity; it serves as a bridge that connects people and highlights the transformative power of art and education. Through initiatives like this, we aim to inspire and empower individuals on the autism spectrum, ensuring they are seen not only for their needs but for their strengths. As inclusive education continues to advance across the UAE, we remain dedicated to cultivating environments where every student can contribute, grow, and be celebrated. We're grateful to everyone who took part, from the young artists to the educators and families, for making this year's competition a true reflection of creativity, collaboration, and shared purpose."The competition was supported by the UAE Ministry of Education and the Emirates Autism Society, who helped expand outreach to inclusive schools and specialised centres across the UAE. Participating institutions included Dubai Autism Center, Al Noor Training Centre, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, Zayed Higher Organization, Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Special Education, Rashid Center for People of Determination, and others.
In continuation of Autism Awareness Month and in alignment with the UAE's broader vision for community engagement and inclusivity, ADU also hosted the 5th Autism Spectrum Disorders Symposium on 30 April. The event brought together experts and advocates to explore new frontiers in inclusive, neurodiverse education through a series of interactive and forward-thinking sessions.
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Gulf Today
4 days ago
- Gulf Today
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Al Etihad
25-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Nahyan bin Mubarak honours winners of ADMAF Awards
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Through this ceremony, we reaffirm our ongoing commitment to supporting and empowering youth, and investing in their creative energies to contribute to the UAE's journey towards a brighter future based on tolerance, knowledge, innovation and social integration,' he Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), said: 'Honouring the winners of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation's (ADMAF) Creativity, Visual Arts, Sustainable Design, and Jewelry Design Awards in partnership with Gulf Capital, TotalEnergies, and L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts - alongside the graduation of students from the Young Media Leaders Programme (YML) in partnership with International Media Investments (IMI) - is a reflection of our commitment to investing in youth, supporting their career development, and realising their dreams and ambitions in the creative and media industries. It also enables them to keep pace with rapid changes in the fields of digitalisation and artificial intelligence.'She added: 'The recognition of 27 young men and women from the UAE is in line with the principles and values of the Year of Community, which includes community solidarity, preserving heritage, cherishing culture and identity, and encouraging innovation and leadership. 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Emirates 24/7
19-05-2025
- Emirates 24/7
Nahyan bin Mubarak inaugurates ‘Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits' exhibition
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Patron of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) inaugurated 'Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits – Contemporary Art from Korea, 1960s to Today,' on 15th May at Manarat Al Saadiyat. In attendance were Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Jae Song-yoo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE; Choi Sook-ma, Deputy Mayor for Cultural Affairs at the Seoul Metropolitan Government; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Managing Director of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi; Badr Jafar, UAE Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy; Dr. Ali Bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre; Sheikha Noor Fahem Al Qassimi, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation; and Mohamed Abdul Latif Kanoo, Member of the Foundation's Advisory Board, and a number of dignitaries and prominent figures from the cultural and artistic community. The exhibition, which marks the first large-scale showcase of contemporary Korean art in the Middle East and running until 30th June 2025. Part of a major three-year partnership, this unprecedented initiative represents a strategic institutional collaboration between ADMAF Foundation and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA). The exhibition represents a shared cultural vision aimed at establishing Abu Dhabi as a global platform for cultural exchange and dialogue between civilisations. Spanning six decades, the exhibition traces the evolution of contemporary Korean art, revealing how artists have responded to the country's profound social and technological transformations through works that span diverse mediums, offering a dynamic and ever-evolving artistic experience. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak stated during the inauguration of the Seoul Museum of Art's exhibition in Abu Dhabi, 'Hosting this exhibition in Abu Dhabi reaffirms the depth of cultural relations between the UAE and the Republic of South Korea. It embodies the vision of our wise leadership, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in strengthening soft power and cultural diplomacy efforts, and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a leading global hub for civilisational dialogue and knowledge exchange. This is achieved through building partnerships, signing memoranda of understanding with leading cultural institutions, and launching innovative initiatives in music, performing arts, and visual arts.' He added, 'Featuring 48 exceptional works by pioneering South Korean artists, accompanied by an interactive community program open to all, this first-ever exhibition in the Middle East of the Seoul Museum of Art's collection at Manarat Al Saadiyat offers a unique opportunity to introduce local and regional audiences to the masterpieces of modern art. It presents a rich historical journey spanning from the 1960s to today—showcasing works that reflect deep human and cultural connection, while stimulating meaningful conversations around identity, society, and the increasing role of technology in shaping contemporary life. This initiative continues our unwavering commitment to raising cultural and artistic awareness, promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and openness to world cultures—paving the way for a more creative, diverse, and enriched future.' Huda Alkhamis, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Founder of Abu Dhabi Festival, said, 'The Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) exhibition, held for the first time in the Middle East, is proof that culture complements the path of diplomacy, opens doors, transcends all borders, and touches hearts, like a hymn or a poem. Embracing values and connecting cultures, the exhibition transforms differences into creative exchange in a diverse world. The most beautiful aspect of it is the experience, with its depth and integrated cultural dimensions.' He continued, 'Through our historic partnership with the world-renowned Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) we are setting a precedent for international institutional partnerships - thanks to the strength and depth of our shared ties. This is the first exhibition of the museum's collections outside of Korea, and the first exhibition of this magnitude of Korean art in the Arab world. All of this is a living entity that is growing and developing, with the creative energy of the creative communities in Abu Dhabi, Korea and the world. This is a meeting of thought, innovation, and new opportunities with creativity that illuminates the future from Manarat Al Saadiyat and in the UAE's Year of the Community, from Abu Dhabi - A World of Harmony.' Eunju Choi, General Director of the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) said, 'Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits marks the most extensive presentation of Contemporary Korean Art to date in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Featuring 48 works by 29 Korean artists, including seminal pieces from the Seoul Museum of Art's collection, the exhibition offers a compelling overview of current practices in Korean contemporary art. The exhibition includes Nam June Paik's Self-Portrait Dharma Wheel (1998), and Ayoung Kim's Delivery Dancer's Sphere (2022), which together trace both the legacy and the future directions of Korean Media Art. Audiences in the GCC will have a unique opportunity to engage with the historical context, distinct characteristics, and future possibilities of Contemporary Korean Art." She added, 'In December, SeMA will continue this cultural dialogue by presenting Intense Proximities, an exhibition introducing contemporary art from the United Arab Emirates, at the Seosomun Main Branch of SeMA. We believe these exhibitions will not only foster greater understanding between our respective art communities, but also contribute meaningfully to the global discourse on contemporary art.' The exhibition is presented as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2025, with the support of the Festival's principal partners—Mubadala Investment Company and G42—and its energy partner, GS Energy. Co-curated by SeMA curator Kyung-hwan Yeo and curator Maya El Khalil, 'Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits,' presents works from SeMA's collection of contemporary art for the first time in the UAE. Tracing the evolution of Korea's unique avant-garde contemporary art scene, the exhibition follows the media-driven expansions and connections evident in representative works by key Korean contemporary artists from the past sixty years. It addresses how artists have responded to the dramatic social and technological changes in Korea through the amalgamation of media, highlighting artworks moving through layered, intersecting mediums, shifting from the intimate to the global, with perspectives on the past, present and future. Drawing on Nam June Paik's prescient 1966 statement 'We Are in Open Circuits,' which anticipated our hyper-connected contemporary world, the exhibition explores how art operates as a system of communication, exploring connections from our most intimate sensory experiences to mediations of the larger systems and structures that shape our urban, social and cultural conditions. Situating the exhibition in the cultural context of Abu Dhabi imbues the works with new layers of meaning, particularly in a region which shares experiences of globalisation and rapid urbanisation. Significantly, the exhibition is the first large-scale showcase of SeMA's collection beyond Korea and serves as an important platform to introduce Korea's artistic heritage to new audiences, expanding the reach of the museum internationally. The exhibition will be accompanied by 'Layered Dialogues,' a publication featuring texts by UAE-based writers, deepening the cultural exchange between Korea and the UAE. The spatial design by Formafantasma reinforced the exhibition's conceptual framework through material storytelling and architectural sensitivity. A dynamic public programme of panel talks, screenings, and performances further enriched the visitor experience. In addition, a series of panel discussions and artist film screenings will form part of the wider public programme, with full details to be shared online in due course. This exhibition forms part of a long-term partnership between ADMAF and SeMA, aimed at fostering cultural dialogue between the UAE and South Korea. Following its Abu Dhabi debut, a second co-curated exhibition, Intense Proximities, will open at SeMA in Seoul in December 2025, premiering the work of three generations of UAE-based artists. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
