Eight young artists of determination had their artworks shown at Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown, the culmination of a four-week programme in partnership with non-profit Heroes of Hope and ArtistPals.
The event ran as part of the hotel’s Art Series. The artists involved include self-taught Emirati Badr Abbas, British-born Belinda Freeman, Iranian visual artist Asareh Ebrahimpour, Franco-Algerian-Spanish embroiderer Chloe Robin and French artist Anne-Laure Roy. “We are very delighted to partner with Heroes of Hope as we together create a space for people of determination to develop their artistic capabilities and be proud of what they’ve created as they showcase their art for all the residents across the city,” said Laura Eggleton, general manager of Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown.
As the event’s guest of honour Sacha Jafri put it: “Generally, art is overcomplicated, it’s full of nonsense! There’s a lot of smoke and mirrors and a lot of money-making machines at play. Really, art is about two things: love and empathy, that’s it. At its most poignant, it’s those two things.”
“Not only does this initiative give them a sense of accomplishment, but the funds derived through the sale of the painting are donated to the charity for enhancing further talents and achieving their individual dreams.”
Non-profit Heroes of Hope UAE was founded by Hollie Murphy, who ran seven marathons in seven emirates in seven days, to offer sports programmes and events to people with disabilities of all ages.