Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The Art be a Part Gala 2024 (Nov. 6) concluded on a note of resounding success, raising Dhs1.5 million through a live auction featuring 15 exclusive art pieces. The evening’s proceedings sold every artwork on stage, demonstrating the determination of 180 guests — including renowned artists, sponsors, and donors — to make a significant impact. The event was held at Bâoli Dubai, with all proceeds of the auction going to Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) and UNICEF India. The Gala, with Ellington Properties as principal partner, lived up to be the essence of art-driven philanthropy, showcasing how creativity and the community can impact social change. Attendees included industrialists, art patrons and philanthropists, besides artists. Together, they celebrated a mutual commitment to making a tangible difference for children in need.
Breaking traditional gala norms, the Gala offered an immersive experience with spoken word poetry sessions and mesmerising dance performances, celebrating creativity and its deep impact on life. Through thoughtfully curated performances, the event went beyond being a conventional charity gala; it invited guests to engage sincerely with the mission of art-inspired philanthropy. TAG24’s highlight, the live auction, featured 15 pieces curated by Neel Shukla, founder of Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery; it attracted spirited bidding and won enthusiastic support. Works by renowned artists like Paresh Maity, Domingo Zapata and Maryam Sharaf Alhashmi, captured the hearts of art enthusiasts and philanthropists alike.
The auction was facilitated by TAG24’s returning auctioneer, Tom Urquhart, and resulted in surpassing the original target, demonstrating the strong commitment of attendees to the cause being foregrounded at the event. Domingo Zapata’s Classic ‘Panda’ sold twice for Dhs340,000 and Paresh Maity’s ‘Rise & Shine’ fetched Dhs350,000. Zapata is a Spanish artist, writer and fashion designer. He has been referred to as the “next Andy Warhol” for both his pop art sensibilities and celebrity lifestyle. Prolific Indian painter Maity has composed the longest painting in India - it stretches up to over 850 feet.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you — our guests, artists, and sponsors — for your overwhelming generosity and support,” said Medha Nanda, Founder, Art be a Part. “Together, we have raised over Dhs1.5 million, funds that will impact thousands of children with unique abilities in India, offering them meaningful opportunities for education and empowerment. Your kindness is a true blessing to these children and their families, creating hope and a brighter future. We also would like to extend our thanks to UNICEF India and Dubai Cares. Thank you for standing with us to make a difference.”
The silent auction, powered by ARTIANA, hosted 15+ pieces from both established and emerging artists from all around the world, like Turks & Caicos islander Bradley Theodore, international artist Tina Gavasheli, and Ukrainian artist Slava Art, with her artwork of 24,900 individually placed Swarovski crystals. Art be a Part was founded on the belief that art and philanthropy are catalysts for social change. AbaP aims to empower communities through a culture of mindful giving. It creates value-driven art and charitable initiatives including galas, exhibitions and auctions that support emerging talent, inspire art and promote artists who are making a significant impact.
UNICEF India is committed to enhancing the welfare of children across the country. By mobilising support and donations, it strengthens essential services in health, education and child protection, ensuring that every child’s potential can be realised. Since its inception in 2007, Dubai Cares has been working for providing children and youth in developing countries with access to quality education through the design and funding of programmes that aim to be impactful, sustainable and scalable. To date, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation has successfully launched education programmes reaching over 24 million beneficiaries in 60 developing countries.
Dubai Cares is a civil society organisation formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (UN DGC), as well as a registered non-government organisation under IACAD, the charitable activities regulator in Dubai. It is a global philanthropic organisation authorised to raise funds through direct donations and fundraising campaigns, as well as process all permit approvals with IACAD. Dubai Cares rallies the UAE’s wider community through a large spectrum of volunteering and awareness initiatives that are linked to its global mandate.
Award-winning Ellington Properties focuses on creating luxury properties across Dubai. Through Ellington Art Foundation since 2015, Ellington has advocated arts as a catalyst of growth in Dubai, especially within the artistic community. Its properties have become a platform for new artists to showcase their work, framed among welcoming surroundings. Four Seasons Ramesh Gallery has the largest picture-framing factory in the Gulf, specialising in bespoke picture framing, art concept development and presentation. FSRG has functioned under the corporate and artistic guidance and expertise of Senior Art Director Neel Shukla. His direction empowers his team to regard all projects as unique, offering individual customisation and character. His command of client relations and detailed understanding of design and art evolution, have resulted in the gallery winning a reputable position in the market.
Silent/Online Auction Partner ARTIANA was founded by Lavesh Jagasia, art connoisseur and luxury aficionado. ARTIANA is a click and mortar hybrid auction house, providing an auction platform sans boundaries. It offers bespoke solutions and support to clients leveraging on their in-house storage, delivery, logistic infrastructure, and an expanding network of client service centre locations.