Art created by autistic youths in Saudi Arabia raises $1.7m at auction
The fifth Rishat Tayf series of exhibitions of art created by children and young adults with autism has concluded with a charity auction during which some of the works they created raised SR 6.5 million ($1.7 million). The money will be used to help develop, enhance and expand services in Saudi Arabia for people with autism spectrum disorders.
Each of this year’s five Rishat Tayf programs, which were organized by the Society of Autism Families in Riyadh, Jeddah, Khobar, Abha and Jazan, brought together 20 autistic young people with 20 artist mentors to create works through which they could express themselves.
The 100 works they created were exhibited ahead of the auction, took place at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday, during which 32 were sold.
The year-long fifth edition, which began in October 2021, was sponsored by Muvi Cinemas and took place under the patronage of culture minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah.
Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the Society of Autism Families, told Arab News: “Today’s auction returns will be utilized to establish an incubator that hosts and develops the talents of people with autism.
“Inventing new operating models to ensure sustainability for the third sector and its beneficiaries is our priority. We have introduced many initiatives at the Society of Autism Families that are of a strategic nature. It is not only about giving autistic individuals a platform; rather, it is about preparing the infrastructure for their future role in society.”
Turki Al-Sheikh, the chairman of the Kingdom’s General Entertainment Authority, who bought one of the paintings for SR200,000, said in a message posted on his official Twitter account: “People with autism spectrum disorder are a precious category for all of us, and I am very happy that the Riyadh Season has reached them and they expressed it through this beautiful painting, and this is the least we can offer them. Thank you to the Society of Autism Families … for organizing this event.”
SAF, which was established in 2009, organizes a variety of projects and initiatives designed to improve the lives of young people with autism and their families. In addition to Rishat Tayf, its programs include the psychological guidance, sports and leisure activities, training for families, and professional training and recruitment.