Charity art exhibition to raise funds for Somalia

Salaam by Narmeen Naser, a Dubai-based artist and co-founder of the Ajala Project. Courtesy Narmeen Naser
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Twenty-five artists are donating their artworks for a special sale in Dubai next week. Organised by The Ajala Project, a Dubai-based social enterprise that uses art to raise awareness and support social causes, a charity exhibition will be held at The Workshop gallery to raise funds for people in Somalia.

Paintings, such as The Mask, by Indian contemporary artist Shrutika Gosavi will be on sale and mixed media pieces such as Arabic Woman by another Indian artist Sandhya Vikram will be part of the show.

Narmeen Naser, one of the founders of The Ajala Project is also donating an artwork - a painting called Salaam that depicts the Arabic word for peace and two mosque domes.

“The Ajala Project is a platform we created in 2016 and we currently represent over 200 local and international emerging artists, who create artwork to give back and support communities in need,” explains Naser. “The artists’ creations are sold through our platform, community events and our corporate partnerships. This campaign has already received significant interest from members, with over 100 artists submitting pieces within a few days of announcing our partnership. We have shortlisted 25 pieces and hope we can raise donations to help those who are suffering in Somalia.”

The exhibition is also in partnership with the ‘Every Dirham Counts’ campaign to support the Emirates Red Crescent. The Emirates Red Crescent is aiming to raise Dh500 million to help the people in Somalia who are suffering from drought.

Mona Gulaid, the project leader of Every Dirham Counts, says: “We are pleased that our campaign is growing and bringing people together to support the UAE’s efforts on-ground. The interest and support we have received so far is testament to the fact that the people in the UAE care and are always ready to contribute and make a difference.”

The charity exhibition will be held at The Workshop Gallery, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai from the June 20-23. Opening hours are 8pm-10pm on opening night (June 20) and after that daily from 10am-10pm. www.theworkshopdubai.com