THE FAMOUS EMIRATI ARTIST NAJAT MAKKI, "PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES ARE CAPABLE OF INNOVATION"
Mrs. Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS), received the Emirati famous artist Dr. Najat Makki, who visited SCHS Art for All Center (Falaj), accompanied by the architect and writer Maryam Al Balushi. Najat wanted to learn about center's departments, facilities, programs, activities, events and the training courses that the center offers to persons with disabilities in various fields of arts.
Dialogue session and fruitful discussion
After a tour in the center, while taking all precautionary measures, the Emirati artist met with artists with disabilities who are members in the center and they had a constructive dialogue. The discussion revolved around the arts that they are learning, such as drawing, music, calligraphy and acting.
During the meeting that the artist (Doaa Faraj Allah), from the center, moderated with high professionalism and confidence, Najat answered a few questions. She emphasized at the beginning that the success and continuity of the Emirates Fine Arts Society would not have been possible without the support and assistance of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The pioneering artist praises the experiences of the center's artists with disabilities
Makki emphasized that the artist's achievements depend on learning, diligence, continuity, various readings and attending art galleries. Adding that persons with disabilities are able to create in art just as they are able to create in other areas of life. The community has a responsibility to support them and create the appropriate environment for their innovation, including integrating them into society by organizing art galleries to display their work.
In her answer to a question by (Moza Abdullah) about her rich experience with colors, she said, “When I saw you paint with your feet and pick colors for the painting with great professionalism, I realized that you are a true artist”. Regarding the artist (Ammar Dahab) who studied architecture, as the first person with hearing impairment to graduate from the University of Sharjah, she said, "Ammar's academic specialization granted his paintings another aesthetic dimension and a clear artistic technique."
Joint drawing workshop
After that, Najat joined center’s students in a drawing workshop. She spontaneously created a painting that every color of it carried a message about disability, hope, ambition and moving forward towards a bright future.
Najat expressed the feelings of appreciation and gratitude for SCHS warm hospitality. She hopes that the center achieve the best results in correspondence to SCHS leading role under the wise commandments of Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, who make huge efforts to advocate, include, and empower persons with disabilities.
Volunteering for three days every month
Makki praised SCHS’s work on consolidating the principles of social responsibility, strengthening the values of volunteering, initiative, social innovation and awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities in all fields, including the artistic field. She pointed out that she will volunteer at the Art for All Center three days each month.
She also hopes to participate with center’s students in local, Arab and international art galleries, because the talents that she saw during the visit confirms the ability of persons with disabilities to present the best and finest types of art.
Art is not just creativity it is a psychological therapy
For her part, Mona Abdel Karim Al-Yafei emphasized that SCHS's vision for art is not limited to its creative value, but also includes its therapeutic aspect. It has great role in spreading feelings of hope and joy. Adding, "When SCHS established the Art for All Center in 2017 as a natural continuation for the Emirates Group for Special Arts, Her Highness Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi emphasized SCHS interest in all types of arts, including painting, theater, music ... etc.
About 830 people with disabilities benefited from the center so far
Mr. Muhammad Bakr, the Supervisor of the Art for All Center, explained that the center currently provides services to 48 talented and creative people with disabilities in the fields of drawing, acting and music of various nationalities.
Since its establishment until today, he adds, more than 830 people with disabilities have benefited from the services, lectures and workshops of the center. The center has also participated in many competitions and art galleries inside and outside the country.
He concluded by saying that the center is keen to provide its services, including programs and technical workshops, for non-disabled persons in various fields and throughout the year.