Sharjah, UAE – May 25, 2024 – In a remarkable display of love, equality, and creativity, Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, organized the inspiring initiative “JOINING HANDS.” This live painting event brought together artists and students with diverse abilities from the Manzil Center in Sharjah to create a series of collaborative masterpieces, reinforcing the theme “ONLY ONE EARTH.”
Funun Arts Group, renowned for its dedication to community service, has been harnessing the power of art for the past nine years to address pressing social and environmental issues. Their unique approach to community engagement through art has been a cornerstone in promoting awareness and fostering change. Over the past three years, Funun Arts Group’s strong partnership with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre has significantly impacted society, using art as a medium to inspire and drive positive change. Both organizations share a steadfast commitment to sustainability, with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre being a proud recipient of the prestigious Green Key award.
The “JOINING HANDS” Event is Celebrating Diversity and Creativity
The “JOINING HANDS” event commenced with a heartfelt welcome extended to ten talented students from the Manzil Center, Sharjah. These students, each blessed with unique abilities, joined forces with ten distinguished artists to create ten extraordinary masterpieces. The participating students included Asma Shemaz, Dhiren Bhatia, Keerthana Vikas, Khairya Sajid, Kodeeshwaran, M. Chandra, Mohammed Salem, Shanzay Sohail, Tahsin Nashra, and Waleed Sader Khail. They were guided by the artistic expertise of Alina Bebenko, Anjani Prakash Laitu, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Jyoti Devdhar, Monia Sahraoui, Mussarat Yasmin Abid, Rabab Zaidi, Saida Banu, Shiba Khan, and Wala Mohammed.
Mr. Robin Solomon, General Manager of Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, expressed his elation in partnering with like-minded organizations dedicated to community betterment. He remarked, “We are thrilled to partner with people who share our vision. Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre and Funun Arts Group have a common mission and sense of responsibility towards giving back to the community. This event is special as it embodies togetherness. The name ‘JOINING HANDS’ itself tells a powerful story of love and unity. Art is a beautiful medium to express these values.”
Shiba Khan, Founder and Director of Funun Arts Group, highlighted the pivotal role of art in conveying significant messages. She shared, “As the founder of Funun Arts Group and as an artist, I feel it is our responsibility to use our talents for a greater good. Art is a powerful medium to convey messages, and today, we witnessed how students focus and engage deeply in the creative process. This fusion of talents results in masterpieces that communicate the critical message ‘We have only one earth; save it, protect it, and love it.'”
Farah Khan, Creative Designer and Co-founder of Funun Arts Group, announced that the artworks created during the event would be showcased in their upcoming exhibition on June 6th. She stated, “The artwork created today with the theme ‘ONLY ONE EARTH’ will be exhibited during our upcoming exhibition in celebration of World Environment Day and World Ocean Day. This will be our third edition of the ‘ONLY ONE EARTH’ exhibition, aimed at raising awareness about various global environmental issues. ‘JOINING HANDS’ has been a significant event for us over the past four years, and it remains close to our hearts.”
Mr. Joseph Hajj, Food and Beverage Manager of Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, reflected on the joy of hosting the event. He said, “It is a pleasure for us to host both the students and the artists. The process of curating the menu, designing the layout, and finalizing the creative presentation is incredibly fulfilling. The happiness we see on the faces of these talented students is beyond any expression. Both food and painting are beautiful forms of art, and this event has been a delightful experience.”
Mohamad Saif, Talent and Culture Manager of the hotel, shared his nostalgic experience, stating, “Today, I enjoyed painting with my creative student partner. It brought back memories of playing with colors on canvas and the joy of uninhibited expression.”
Chandra, one of the students from Manzil Center, expressed, “Today, I created artwork based on the theme ‘ONLY ONE EARTH,’ and it made me realize the importance of this message. I thoroughly enjoyed painting and loved the entire event.”
Representatives from Manzil Center emphasized the positive impact of such initiatives on their students. They noted, “Initiatives like these are crucial for our students as they boost their confidence, creativity, and skills. Most importantly, they bring immense happiness. The students were so engaged in painting, focused, and enjoyed every stroke of color they added to the canvas. It is like painting their lives with full freedom.”
Dr. Poonam Chauhan, one of the participating artists, described the event as a profoundly moving experience. She said, “The morning was filled with colors, surrounded by talent, and the opportunity to collaborate with students of diverse abilities was truly beautiful. Today, I learned how to shape the thoughts of others through art. Until now, I painted what I thought or felt, but today I painted the thoughts of my student partner. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Wala Mohammed, an artist said:” For me art is the best way to express and connect. Today what we learnt and what we are taking back with us is a very important lesson of love, bonding and togetherness. I felt the power of arts, how it brings unconditional love and happiness to everyone engaged in it. Thanks to Funun Arts Group for always being so thoughtful and considerate.
Upcoming Exhibition: “ONLY ONE EARTH”
The masterpieces created during the “JOINING HANDS” event will be showcased in the “ONLY ONE EARTH” exhibition by Funun Arts Group at Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre starting June 6th. This exhibition aims to raise awareness about global environmental issues and the importance of sustainability, continuing the mission of both Funun Arts Group and Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre to create a better world through art.
Finally, we can conclude by saying that:
The “JOINING HANDS” initiative by Funun Arts Group and Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre exemplifies the transformative power of art in fostering inclusivity, creativity, and environmental awareness. This collaborative effort not only highlights the importance of unity and love but also serves as a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and cherish our planet.
