SDGs through Arts – India celebrates creativity, sustainability in Bengaluru

ZeeArts Gallery, Dubai, has announced the successful completion of SDGs through Arts - India, held in collaboration with Art Ambassador, Humera Ali. The initiative brought together 17 international and local artists for a creative retreat June 26–27 at the Conrad Hotel Bengaluru, followed by a Vernissage Gala Dinner and Art Auction on June 28.

India became the 16th country to join the global movement; it reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to harnessing the transformative power of art in raising awareness about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering meaningful cultural dialogue.

The current edition welcomed artists from India, the UAE, Oman, France, The Netherlands, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mauritius, Syria, and Germany. For over two days, artists engaged in collaborative dialogue, created works themed around the SDGs, and shared their cultural narratives through the universal language of art. On Day 2, the initiative also welcomed 17 students from The Cambridge International School, Bengaluru, offering them an exclusive opportunity to interact with the participating artists as part of their educational research. The occasion bridged youth, creativity, and social awareness.

An artist with her artwork.

The Vernissage Gala Dinner and Art Auction joined together a gathering of art patrons, cultural advocates, sustainability champions, and distinguished guests. The evening was hosted by Master of Ceremonies, Shabeer, who set the tone and temper of the celebrations. The event commenced with a welcoming address by Humera Ali, who extended her gratitude to the participating artists, partners and supporters for their dedication to extending and advancing the initiative in India. The evening’s highlight included a keynote address by Zaahirah Muthy, Founder and Curator of ZeeArts Gallery, who spoke about the power of art as a catalyst for dialogue, social transformation, and advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Guests were also treated to an exhilarating live painting performance by celebrated artist, Vilas Naik, whose artwork was later auctioned as part of the proceedings. The cultural mood was further elevated by a Bharatanatyam performance by young talent, Shruti D’sa, followed by a musical performance by artist Ashwini, both of whom projected India’s rich artistic heritage. The event culminated in a live art auction, with proceeds supporting initiatives under SDG 4: Quality Education. The auction saw enthusiastic participation from art collectors and philanthropists, underlining a collective commitment to community-based educational programmes that empower youth through creativity and learning.

SDGs through Arts is a global initiative launched by ZeeArts Gallery during Expo 2020 Dubai, in collaboration with the UN-UAE. Curated by Zaahirah Muthy, the project has successfully completed editions in the UAE, Mauritius, Seychelles, Bangladesh, Iraq, Comoros, Lebanon, Reunion, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Oman, The Netherlands, Rodrigues Island, Madagascar and India. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all participating artists, collectors, supporters and our valued partners Dr. Muhammad Ali, Intellissence, Raffles Park, Poshium Estate, Conrad Hotel Bengaluru, The Cambridge International School, and Jaivik Farms,” said Zaahirah Muthy. “A special congratulations to Humera Ali for her exceptional leadership and dedication in making SDGs through Arts – India a resounding success.”

Emirati artist Najat Makki (right) at the event.

Humera Ali is a Bangalore-based visual artist, and an alumna of Bishop Cottons Girls School and Mount Carmel College, where she earned a Bachelors in Arts. She is inspired by the environment and advocates for Nature conservation through her work. Her art, characterised by abstraction and impressionism, conveys her inner thoughts, experiences, and beliefs. Humera Ali’s paintings are marked by bold brush strokes and elements of light, and have been showcased internationally in the USA, Dubai, Sydney, Canada, and Singapore.

Zaahirah Muthy is an artist-activist and curator hailing from Mauritius, residing in Dubai. With a view to bringing positive changes in society, she strives to convey a message of empowerment through the arts and artistic initiatives. Her artworks have been exhibited in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Asia. She is mainly a mixed-media artist who creates works in paintings, collage, assemblages, and sculptures. They are exhibited in prestigious locations such as hotels, museums, banks and private collections of prominent collectors, and have been featured in local, regional and international media.

Zaahirah Muthy (in red) gives an award to Humera Ali.

Zaahirah has provided consistently impassioned support for women artists across the globe. As the helmsman and brain behind ‘Art Connects Women’ which advocates for female artists from across the globe, she has been instrumental in establishing a global platform that serves to promote the representation of female artists. Zaahirah has won multiple awards and has received several recognitions for her dedication in shaping and transforming the art and cultural ecosystems. She was the curator for World Art Dubai 2017, and an illustration of hers was selected for Sharjah Book Fair, 2013.

ZeeArts Gallery is a global art platform committed to promoting cultural exchange, empowering artists and advocating for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through creative initiatives. With over 85 international exhibitions curated and several award-winning projects, it is a driving force in creating and fostering impactful artistic dialogues worldwide. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 interconnected global objectives established in 2015 to address a wide range of pressing societal and environmental challenges facing the world.

Artists at the event.

The goals were enacted as a comprehensive blueprint for achieving a more equitable, prosperous and sustainable future for all, aiming to guide collective efforts towards tackling issues such as poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and peace. SDGs provide a framework that deals with the intricate web of factors affecting human well-being and planetary health.