DUBAI, UAE – The A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme, a leading cultural initiative in the United Arab Emirates, is significantly expanding its reach this year to engage over 15,000 students aged 5 to 17 across more than 100 schools in all seven emirates.
Now in its fourth edition, the innovative three-month programme titled “Worlds in a Box” aims to enrich arts education and foster creativity and innovation through artist-designed workshops inspired by dioramas, memory, and the built environment. Developed by Goa-based artist Sahil Naik, it runs until June 2024.
In a first for the programme, special adapted workshops will be offered in schools for people of determination, ensuring inclusive access to arts education. Additionally, masterclasses for educators have been introduced to enhance teaching capabilities.
The programme is a partnership between A.R.M. Holding, a prominent Dubai investment firm, and Art Dubai, the premier international art fair in the Middle East, underscoring their joint commitment to nurturing the next generation through arts exposure and hands-on learning.
“We firmly believe in the arts as a vital tool for empowering our youth, strengthening communities, and enriching our culture,” said Fatma Almulla, Marketing Manager at A.R.M. Holding. “Our commitment is deeply rooted in supporting local talent, especially the youth, through targeted education and training programmes.”
Art Dubai’s Executive Director, Benedetta Ghione, emphasized the power of art and culture in enriching society, unlocking creativity, and fostering empathy through education. “Engaging youth in the arts prepares them for diverse career paths and contributes to solving economic challenges by developing a creative and skilled workforce,” she stated.
The expanded A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme exemplifies how corporate support can boost transformative education by integrating arts into learning processes, creating an ecosystem where cognitive and emotional development go hand in hand.