The Exhibition presents a distinctive and innovative vision of the concept of disability through the language of art. This unique experience combines the power of creativity and human expression, as creative artists with disabilities present their works that reflect their artistic abilities and personal experiences. Through this exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to explore new worlds, expand their horizons, and experience the power of art to transform challenges into opportunities for expression and contemplation.
Her Excellency Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei, Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, confirmed that “Breaking Barriers: Redefining Disability in the World of Art” exhibition, reflects the city’s pioneering vision in encouraging artists with disabilities and providing a platform for their creative expression.
Her Excellency Mona Abdul Karim Al Yafei said that Art for All Centre (Falaj) is a pioneer in the field of supporting and empowering artists with disabilities, as it seeks to provide equal and comprehensive opportunities in the artistic and cultural field. Her Excellency added that the City is proud to organise this exhibition, which reflects the city’s tireless pursuit of achieving this vision.
Al Yafei added that “Breaking Barriers: Redefining Disability in the Art World” exhibition aims to change society’s view of disabilities, highlight artists and creators with disabilities, and display their distinguished talents through different art forms.
The Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services explained that the city was the first to employ art to serve people with disabilities by establishing the Emirates Group for Special Art in Sharjah in 1995, and it was the first to introduce music education in colour for people with mental disabilities in 2009, and later it established the Artistic Creativity Group for People with Disabilities independently and complementary to the Emirates Private Art Group in 2010, and all these efforts culminated in 2017 through the establishment of the Art for All Centre “Falaj” as a continuation of its previous and successful steps in this field.
Al Yafei continued that people with disabilities have the ability to create in all fields, and the city has believed since its founding in this ability and has worked to include, advocate, empower, educate and integrate them in accordance with the best international practices, noting that the city’s vision of art is not limited to its creative value only, but also includes its psychological therapeutic aspect and its role in spreading feelings of hope and joy, in addition to focusing on the global perspective.
Al Yafei invited members of the community to visit the exhibition, which also aims to redefine artistic boundaries and encourage inclusivity in the world of art. Her Excellency pointed to the sustainability in supporting and empowering artists with disabilities in all fields, and the continuous work to provide opportunities and recognition for them in the global art scene.
Al Yafei extended her sincere thanks to Sharjah Museums Authority for their good cooperation in hosting this exhibition and to everyone who contributed to its organisation and success.
Aisha Rashid Dimas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, stressed the importance of the exhibition organised by Art for All Center (Falaj), under the umbrella of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, and hosted by Sharjah Art Museum, noting that the exhibition expresses the Authority’s firm commitment to its societal role, its cultural and humanitarian mission, and the principles of inclusiveness, community participation and institutional cooperation.
Dimas said that this initiative not only enriches the diverse cultural scene in Sharjah, but also highlights the positive impact of art and reinforces the idea that art is a universal language that allows everyone to participate in the production and appreciation of art.
The Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority added that embracing this wide diversity of creators reflects the Authority’s keenness to keep museums spaces available to all individuals, including people with disabilities, and facilitating access to its museums that address the needs of all sectors of society. Dimas stressed that the role of museums is also to provide a spacious space for expression and contemplation, which reflects positively on mental and physical health.
Mr. Muhammad Bakr, Director of Art for All Center (Falaj) said that “I Am Here” exhibition, organised by Art for All Centre (Falaj), affiliated with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in cooperation with Sharjah Museums Authority, represents an artistic and cultural tributary that achieves the centre’s vision and sustainable mission to build bridges of communication between artists with disabilities and their peers, as the exhibition brings together 34 male and female artists affiliated with the centre, presenting more than 84 paintings and creative works.
The exhibition also carries an important message calling for the realisation of the vision of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in its continuous endeavour towards achieving opportunities for empowerment, integration and achieving equal opportunities for all people with disabilities in all fields, including art and culture.
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