Emirati artists represent their support for the Tawasul Orphan Education Fund through the auctioning of their art

Masterpieces from leading Emirati artists provide a creative way of uplifting orphans through education

Sharjah, UAE, 29th July 2013: Emiratis are actively engaging with the local community in using art as a trigger to make a charitable difference. Tawasul Orphans Education Fund, is giving Emirati artists a chance to contribute to the education of underprivileged children, through the auctioning of their own work.

Tawasul Online Charity Auction is held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the UAE Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of Sharjah Business Women Council.

Jasmin Ruehling, Program Executive at Sharjah Business Women Council for the Tawasul Charity Auction, commented: “We are privileged to have four of the nation's most prominent artists immersing themselves in this initiative and reinventing themselves as role models in support of our cause. We see the merger of art and charity as a creative way for Emiratis to make a life-changing contribution in their communities.”

Sumayyah Al-Suweidi, the first female Emirati digital artist, is one of the four featured artists and has been a strong force in the art world both regionally and internationally. Illustrating the diversity in the types of art being auctioned, Mattar Bin Lahej is a self-taught artist who is active in sculpture, painting and photography, and has also submerged himself in the regional and international artistic landscape. Maitha Bin Demaithan, a visual artist and video designer and Maisoon Al Saleh are also offering their masterpieces to the highest bidder in Tawasul's online auction.

Further elaborating on art-driven charity, Summayah Al-Suweidi said: “Most artists are inspired by their communities, so this is a unique opportunity for us to give back to the community that shaped us. If one artist can touch the lives of an entire population, Tawasul's online auction proves that the generosity of a few bidders can dramatically transform the lives of many orphans.”

Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi passionately believes that art is a powerful medium that overcomes obstacles and initiates change, easing the suffering of orphans and giving their lives a blank canvas on which they can paint a brighter future. The initiative has been developed to help orphans cultivate their academic skills, giving them a chance to prosper at institutes of higher education in the country.

Proceeds of the auction will fund higher education as well as professional training and development for orphans across the UAE. Bidding is currently ongoing and interested participants can immediately place their bids on the Tawasul charity website: www.tawasulfund.ae/home
Tawasul

Tawasul Orphans Education Fund is a leading Sharjah-based charity that empowers underprivileged children through education, so that they can positively contribute in transforming society. It was initiated by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry in partnership with the Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC). As part of its innovative fundraising endeavors, Tawasul is holding an Online Charity Auction under the generous patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of the Sharjah Business Women Council. Interested art enthusiasts and philanthropists are invited to bid for masterpieces from Emirati artists in the ongoing auction on www.tawasulfund.ae/home

Sharjah Business Women Council (SBWC)

The Sharjah Business Women Council was established under a decree by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of the Sharjah Business Women Council. The SBWC was established on 27 March 2002 as an initiative by the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry. It strives to support the integration of women in all economic activities, utilizing expert guidance to develop women's personal skills, creativity and performance in all professional and business endeavors.