A child poses before an artwork at the ‘The Journey’ exhibition.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

A group of 24 young artists aged eight to 17 have showcased their graduation artworks as part of the two-day ‘The Journey’ exhibition and graduation ceremony in Dubai.

The exhibition and the graduation ceremony was held at the Alserkal Avenue in the presence of Ahmad Al Serkal, Managing Director of Al Serkal Group, Board Member of Al Jalila Cultural Centre, and prominent cultural and artistic figures along with a number of people interested in arts and childhood, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children (AJCCC).

Hiba Aloul, Programme Manager at AJCCC, told Gulf Today that the centre launched a scholarship programme two years ago in the categories of music and arts and through a lengthy process selected 24 children from various nationalities including Arab, Indian and others. The scholarship was awarded by Al Jalila Centre to promote art and cultural activities among young children.

During the two-year scholarship programme these children were provided full training by professional artists through regular classes and workshops. As part of the graduation ceremony, the total 24 students including 13 graduates made more than five artworks varied between fashion design, sculpture, painting, silk-screen printing, music playing and singing.

The next scholarship will be launched in September this year to bring more talent in music and arts.

The evening was also set to witness the performance of live music by the students of the centre who performed a number of their songs and played musical instruments.

At the conclusion, the 13 graduates were awarded certificates in the presence of their parents, teachers and guests.

The exhibition ‘The Journey’ opened as a crowning to the achievements of its talented kids who are affiliated to Al-Jalila Talents Scholarship programme. It is considered to be one of the most prominent creative and artistic scholarships in the country.

At the visual arts level, children presented sculptures and paintings which varied between fantasy and realism. They were all characterised by the professional level the children achieved during the two-year training programme in Al-Jalila child education sections under the supervision of specialised artists.