Dubai artists with disabilities welcome return of studio
A much-loved art studio for young adults with disabilities that shut down last year is set to reopen in early 2022.
Mawaheb was affected by the coronavirus pandemic and its closure in October last year disheartened the tight-knit special needs community.
The artistic studio, the name of which means “talented” in Arabic, will move to a larger space in Dubai’s Al Quoz neighbourhood from its original home in the historic Bastakiya area of the emirate.
“It was exactly a year ago that we had to make the most difficult decision to close Mawaheb. It has been a time of reflection ever since and now it’s time to reconnect with the students, their families and our partners,” Wemmy de Maaker, director of the non-profit art studio, told The National.
“Personally, I’m very excited for the people of determination and their families and grateful that we are once again able to offer a place where they can develop their skills and reach the best of their potential.”
The new studio, which caters for students aged 18 and above, will open in GC Avenue in Al Quoz and was made possible through support from the family of a Mawaheb student.
The previous space was divided into several rooms around a courtyard, while the latest plan has bigger areas in which students can work.
It will include a 3,000-squarefoot cafe, double the size of its predecessor, and a workshop.
A spacious warehouse next door has been set aside for art training sessions supervised by professionals and life skills courses for young adults with disabilities.
The studio has nurtured several talented artists over the years, some of whom held solo exhibitions and earned their own workspace in art galleries in Dubai.
News of Mawaheb’s opening has spread fast with 15 students already signed up.
Indian artist Sharan Budhrani was delighted to learn about the reopening.
“It will be the greatest beginning to the year 2022,” said Mr Budhrani, who was this year awarded a long-term golden visa for his cultural contribution to the UAE.
“It’s a great opportunity for all of us. I’m really looking forward to it.”