Dubai: The Annual Student Art Show (ASAS), held from October 7 to 8 at the academic and artistic atmosphere of De Montfort University, Dubai, was an initiative that blended art, culture, and environmental awareness.

As a part of Oman’s participation, 35 artworks were exhibited and showcased for the competition from Indian School Muscat, CSE (special needs) and other individual participations under Dr. Hafsa Banu’s mentorship. In addition, two students – Haniya Eira Khan and Yusra Adil Shaik – physically participated at the show and gained immense knowledge of sustainable art through in-depth master-classes and 40 workshops held during the extensive 2 day event.

The competition saw two global winners emerging from Oman, who belonged to the CSE group.

More than 700 students from 50 different nationalities showcased their artwork, with the involvement of 35 global mentors, 15 youth ambassadors and over 50 youth volunteers. It explored the theme ‘We Can Change Climate Change’ for students in the age group of 5 to 25 years.

This captivating and no less essential theme had been carefully chosen as a follow up on the ASAS previous edition’s ‘UN’s Sustainable Development Goals’ drive. The primary aim was to raise awareness about the pressing issue of climate change and motivate individuals, particularly youth, to act on the worsening climate conditions.

The organizers of the Annual Student Art Show are Shiba Khan and Farah Khan of Funun Arts Group and Khan Ayaan Abdulla and Mohamed Huzaifa Khan of Youth Creative Minds (YCM) Hub.

The Art mentor Dr.Hafsa Banu says “It was a first of a kind participation of the enthusiastic students from Oman, experiencing one of the Gulf region’s largest and most extraordinary youth events. Only through these initiatives can the youth know the importance of sustainability, which is through changes in our lives; measures we can take to save our future generation who are the torch bearers of the future. It is a wakeup call for all and the changes have to start right now.”

The event was inaugurated in the presence of honorable guests, including Mr. Suhail Mohamed Al Zarooni, Chairman of Al Zarooni Foundation, Mr. Khalil Abdul Wahid, Director of Art and Literature Dubai Culture and other dignitaries from all over UAE, as well as the guest of honor Mr. Mohammad Issa Al Rawahy from Oman.

The three esteemed members of the jury for the event were Ms. Nada Al Barazi, an internationally acclaimed and award-winning artist, Mr. Ihsan Al-Khateeb, a pioneer artist and art Instructor and Mr. Marwan Karout, an accomplished Lebanese-Canadian artist.

Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, Founders of Funun Arts believe that through the theme ‘We Can Change Climate Change’, ASAS has inspired and empowered youth to take action against climate change with their boundless creativity.