Art be a Part Gala 2025 raises millions to empower Children of Determination

Dubai’s cultural scene came alive on November 7 with one of its most inspiring philanthropic evenings as The Art be a Part Gala 2025 (TAG25) returned, exploring the theme ‘Beyond the Frame: Art and the Future of Inclusion’. To benefit Children of Determination and hosted by Medha Nanda, Founder, Art be a Part, the event came to life in partnership with Ellington Properties as title sponsor, alongside supporting sponsors. TAG25 unfolded within the striking halls of the Museum of the Future; the evening gathered visionaries from the worlds of art, design and philanthropy, creating a vibrant celebration of creativity, generosity and the power of inclusion, leaving a memorable impression on all who attended.

TAG25 reached its peak with a charity auction led by Tom Urquhart, bringing together the community of artists, collectors and supporters united by a shared purpose. Artworks from both renowned and emerging talents, including eL Seed, Stefania Nazzal, Alia Lootah, Lorenzo Quinn, among other exceptional artists, took centre stage, each piece carrying not only artistic vision, but a powerful story of creativity and compassion – something that both collectors and buyers kept in mind.

The highlight of the evening was when Domingo Zapata’s emotionally charged artwork sparked a bidding frenzy; it ultimately sold for an enviable Dhs1 million, being the highest bid of the night. The record-breaking moment drew cheers and applause from the audience, underscoring the generosity and passion for a cause that had gathered the participants. It was also a powerful testament to the unifying spirit of art and philanthropy. Each contribution directly supported Dubai Cares, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation and UNICEF, helping expand their work in accessing education, fostering inclusion, and transforming the lives of children around the world.

Medha Nanda at the event.

The evening also saw the performance of Parson James, whose music added to the celebratory mood of the night. Artists and artwork highlights included eL Seed: Locke III (sold for Dhs175,000); Paresh Maity: A Magical Morning (sold for Dhs420,000); Alia Lootah: Paper Folds (sold for Dhs41,000); Lorenzo Quinn: I Give you My Heart III (sold for Dhs320,000); Stefania Nazzal: The Stars We See (sold for Dhs95,000); and Tina Gavasheli: Wave of Life (sold for Dhs70,000). Notable guests were Sanjeev Nanda, Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Jwana Karim, Majid Jafar, Mary Habib, Sima Ved, Namrata Shroff, Barkha Shewakramani and Hala Khayat.

“This year’s Art be a Part Gala 2025,” said Medha Nanda, “was a truly inspiring celebration of creativity and community. Beyond the Frame came to life beautifully - every artwork, every performance and every guest, contributed to a night that not only celebrated art, but also made a real impact in supporting children’s education and inclusion. It was a testament to what can be achieved when art and purpose come together.” Ellington Properties Co-Founder Joseph Thomas, said that “the Art be a Part Gala 2025 exemplifies how creativity and philanthropy can come together to create meaningful impact. We are proud to support this incredible initiative that brings the community together to make a tangible difference in the lives of children worldwide.”

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg speaks.

Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, said: “The Art be a Part Gala reaffirms the art community’s unique ability to inspire creativity while also mobilising support for transformative change. The initiative exemplifies how artistic engagement can be turned into a powerful tool to advance inclusive development for children with special needs, ensuring they have access to equal opportunities, tailored support systems, and the dignity of full participation in society. A special thank you to Medha Nanda for her vision, ambition, and bold commitment to a sector of society that has long been overlooked. We are also deeply grateful to the artists, partners and supporters, who are helping turn creativity into meaningful progress.”

Chief of UNICEF India (Nutrition), Arjan de Wagt said that “we are incredibly grateful to Art be a Part and all the participating artists, sponsors and collectors, for their generous support. This evening is a celebration of how creativity can be harnessed to transform the lives of children. The funds raised will directly contribute to ensuring inclusive education and opportunities for children with special needs, helping them realise their full potential.” Ellington Properties is a Dubai-based luxury real estate developer known for its distinctive approach to design, craftsmanship and lifestyle-focused communities. It creates iconic residential and hospitality projects across the UAE, combining architectural innovation and elegance, with a focus on sustainability.

An artwork in the spotlight.

Since its inception in 2007, Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has been working towards providing children and youth in developing countries, with access to quality education through the design and funding of programmes that are impactful, sustainable and scalable. To date, the UAE-based global philanthropic organisation has successfully launched education programmes reaching over 116 million individuals in 60 developing countries.

Art be a Part was founded on the belief that art and philanthropy are catalysts for societal change, empowering communities through a culture of mindful giving. The art major creates value-driven art and charitable initiatives, including galas, ​ exhibitions and auctions, that support ​artists who make a ​significant impact. Following a series of successful editions, Art be a Part is one of Dubai’s most anticipated philanthropic platforms, demonstrating how art and purpose converge to create real impact for communities worldwide. Sponsors of the gala event included The Taj and VistaJet.