Dubai, UAE – The UAE has launched the expanded A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme, the largest cultural programme of its kind in the country. The three-month programme, now in its fourth edition, aims to engage over 15,000 students aged 5 to 17 across more than 100 schools in all seven emirates.
The 2024 programme, titled “Worlds in a Box”, uses dioramas, memory, and the built environment as sources of inspiration. Developed by Goa-based artist Sahil Naik, the programme coincides with World Art Day, a global celebration of artistic expression.
This year’s edition introduces two new concepts: an adapted programme in schools for people of determination and special masterclasses for educators to enhance their teaching capabilities. The programme, which runs until June 2024, invites schools to register before 30 April 2024.
The initiative is a partnership between A.R.M. Holding, a leading private investment firm in Dubai, and Art Dubai, the premier international art fair in the Middle East. The partners are dedicated to nurturing and enabling the next generation through arts education, offering exposure to different practices and hands-on learning experiences through bespoke workshops.
Fatma Almulla, Marketing Manager at A.R.M. Holding, expressed the company’s belief in the arts as a vital tool for empowering youth, strengthening communities, and enriching culture. The success of the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme over the years has inspired the company to broaden the initiative further, introducing masterclasses for teachers this year.
Art Dubai, with a special focus on voices from the Global South, underscores its dedication to nurturing artistic scholarship and critical discourse. Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, highlighted the power of art and culture to enrich society by enhancing awareness, unlocking creativity, and fostering empathy through education.
Registration for the A.R.M. Holding Children’s Programme is open until 30 April 2024, offering schools nationwide a unique opportunity to become part of a transformative educational experience.