Abu Dhabi has recently seen the launch of an exciting new community initiative, ‘Melfa Al-Ibda,’ by the councils affiliated with the ‘Citizen and Community Affairs Office’ under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Youth Council. This initiative aims to discover and nurture talents across a variety of fields, including visual arts, handicrafts, photography, and diverse creative and technical projects. The goal is to provide a quality platform for showcasing these talents, which will greatly contribute to the cultural landscape while enhancing the visibility of creators and fostering new avenues for collaboration with stakeholders in the creative and cultural sectors.
Inaugural Exhibition Highlights Youth Creativity
The first phase of the initiative took place at the Al Shawamekh Council in Abu Dhabi, featuring an exhibition titled ‘The Creativity of Tomorrow: How Our Youth Envisions Our Cultural Future.’ This event coincided with International Youth Day and spanned three days, celebrating the artistic contributions of the youth and their role in enriching the cultural and artistic movement.
A Strategic Partnership for Youth Empowerment
Saeed Al Mansouri, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, emphasised that their strategic partnership in the initiative reflects their ongoing commitment to empowering youth and providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and creativity across various sectors. He noted that this partnership has created a significant space for young talents to present their works and projects, enhancing their presence in the cultural scene and building bridges with experts and specialised entities. This support is crucial for encouraging their participation in the creative economy and opening broader avenues for growth and development.
Discussion on Digital Transformation in Art
The exhibition concluded with a panel discussion entitled ‘Arts and Culture in the Era of Digital Transformation.’ This session featured a distinguished array of specialists, artists, and enthusiasts who explored the transformations brought about by artificial intelligence in the creative landscape and its role in advancing artistic and cultural practices.
In attendance at the exhibition was Dr. Abdullah Al Shammari, the Executive Director of National Talent Empowerment Sector and the ‘Mawhib’ Centre under the Government Empowerment Department in Abu Dhabi, alongside numerous officials and representatives from institutions connected to the cultural and creative sectors.