Mission ocean: Funun Arts Group event focuses on coral restoration

In a tribute to World Oceans Day 2025 (June 8), Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Novotel Suites Mall Avenue, Dubai, has unveiled an initiative titled Rebalancing the Ocean: Coral Restoration Through Art (May 30 – June 30). “The ongoing event is more than an exhibition,” say Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, founders, Funun Arts Group.

“It is a mission, a movement, and a message to the world, echoing the urgent need to protect and restore our fragile marine ecosystems.” Bringing together 15 established artists and 15 young visionaries, it is a platform where art becomes activism, bridges generations and inspires collective action through creativity.

It showcases artworks that follow the language of the ocean — its rhythms, resilience and its cry for help. Each piece is a vivid reminder of the beauty that lies beneath the waves and the responsibility to preserve it.

From vibrant corals to the haunting silhouettes of marine life, the art on display encourages reflection, urging the viewer to rethink their relationship with Nature. The inauguration ceremony was graced by dignitaries and change makers, including Sultana Farouq Kazim, Global Ambassador for UNESCO International Action AR and Fashion Designer; Dr. Mohammad Ali, CEO of Breathe Creativity; Kusum Dutta, philanthropist and artist; Anjini Prakash Laitu, renowned pioneer artist and Peter Ferrington, artist and environmentalist.

Shiba Khan's artwork.

The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Darryl Owen, CEO of Freestyle Divers and Founder of Project REEFrame, who emphasised the importance of coral reef restoration and the role of art in inspiring real-life change. Another highlight of the event was the collaborative painting activity involving students from Delhi Private School, Sharjah, Ryan International School, Sharjah, and North American International School, Dubai. Artists and students came together to create two large-scale puzzle paintings that, when joined together, formed masterpiece works — symbols of unity, hope and harmony, between humanity and the seas.

The artworks being the result of intergenerational collaboration, proved that when creativity meets purpose, generational boundaries and talent gradations dissolve, and impactful narratives are born. Young ambassadors of the event, Mohammad Azaan Mehtab Khan and Wali Mehtab Khan (Grade 3 and 1, Ryan International School) and Maryam Sarfraz Khan (Grade 2, Delhi Private School), took the stage with a skit titled Rebalancing the Ocean. Their message was: it is not too late to act. Shiba Khan noted that “this is more than a reminder — it’s a call to action. Each brushstroke is a visual pledge, a commitment to our planet’s well-being. Art has the extraordinary ability to transcend barriers and speak directly to the heart. When we create with intention, we do not just produce beauty — we spark awareness and dialogue, and inspire transformation.

Kosha Tarsaria's composition.

“Rebalancing the Ocean is also not just about showcasing talent; it is about using that talent as a force for rousing environmental awareness and change. Through creativity, we aim to awaken responsibility and nurture a sense of collective stewardship for our oceans and the future of our planet.” Farah Khan added: “Our events are curated not just to be remembered, but to be deeply reflected upon — long after the last artwork is viewed. We believe that art has the power to not only evoke emotion, but also instill purpose. By engaging students to work alongside established artists, we are creating a powerful intergenerational dialogue — where experience meets talent, and creativity becomes a shared language of change.

“The collaboration is our way of planting the seeds of awareness and responsibility early, nurturing young minds to become conscious, compassionate leaders. After all, they are not just the artists of tomorrow — they are also the custodians of the planet’s future.” Ghaith Dalati, General Manager of Novotel Suites Mall Avenue, said that “this event beautifully aligns with the mission of NOVO25, which is rooted in sustainability, community engagement, and innovation. At Novotel, we believe in creating meaningful experiences that go beyond hospitality — experiences that contribute to the greater good.

Artists and supporters at the event.

“Rebalancing the Ocean reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and our belief that art can be a powerful medium for awareness and change. Hosting this event is not just a celebration of creativity, but a reflection of our shared responsibility to protect our planet and foster a conscious, connected community.” Participating artists include Catherine Miras, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Erum Durrani, Fatima Ahmmed, Kosha Tarsaria, Kusum Dutta, Leena Kewlani, Mallak Alwesh, Manasi Abhijit Deodhar, Maria Aamer Khan, Nataliia Venerova, Pari Sagar, Rayan Omer Hamed, Stuti Parikh, and Shiba Khan.

Young artists making the event more special are Aidan Shareef, Dharswana Durai, Kanishka Manikandan, Kavya Vishal, Maryam Sarfraz Khan, Naga Krithi Godem (Delhi Private School, Sharjah); Ali Yaseen, Areej Wahid, Romina Ramin Zeerati, Talia Isam (North American International School, Dubai); and Mohammed Azaan Mehtab Khan, Mohammed Wali Mehtab Khan (Ryan International School, Sharjah). Funun Arts Group is a leading UAE-based platform that champions art as a universal language of connection, empowerment, and education. With over 10 years of experience curating art exhibitions, instigating creative dialogues and hosting youth art forums, the Group is known for promoting diversity and elevating community voices through visual art. Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai is a contemporary hotel situated in Al Barsha district, opposite the Mall of the Emirates, with Ski Dubai nearby. Its location offers guests easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The hotel is also within walking distance of Mall of the Emirates and Sharaf DG metro stations, facilitating comfortable exploration of Dubai’s attractions.