The session was led by trainer Nisrine Douma, who shared a variety of strategies and techniques designed to improve mental and physical health, placing a particular emphasis on the power of breath. She remarked that a single thought could significantly alter one’s state of being, illustrating the intricate relationship between breathing, stress, and overall wellness. Douma offered insights into different breathing patterns, particularly slow breathing, and its beneficial effects on emotional stability and health.

Additionally, Douma explored the holistic nature of yoga as a practice that fosters both mental and physical wellness in the Library.

She highlighted the advantages of various yoga techniques, including physical postures and meditation. Douma further discussed “pranayama,” or breath control, detailing how specific breathing exercises can enhance both physical and mental states. Among the techniques introduced were “Kapalabhati,” which acts as a warm-up to invigorate the body and clear the mind, and “Anulom Vilom,” aimed at regulating emotions and stimulating the respiratory system.

As the session drew to a close, Douma emphasized that the essence of meditation lies not in controlling thoughts, but in preventing them from taking control of our lives. Participants expressed their gratitude for the session, describing it as both inspiring and enriching, with many feeling immediate improvements after practicing the techniques they learned.

This event reflects the Mohammed bin Rashid Library’s sustained efforts to raise awareness about mental health and to provide the community with essential resources and information that enhance quality of life.

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Mila Smart Semeshkina Reflects on the Success of the WE Convention

Mila Smart Semeshkina, Founder of the Women’s Empowerment Council and a keynote speaker at the WE Convention, shares her insights from the event: ‘We aimed for the WE Convention to stand out from other events. Our goal was to create a valuable platform for learning, finding your path, and gaining inspiration—and we succeeded. I look forward to seeing all the participants return next year to share the amazing results they have achieved. I would also be delighted to welcome some of you to the stage. Because we are women, and we can achieve anything!’

Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Empowering Discussions

Over the course of two days, a total of 23 sessions took place on the main stage, addressing a broad spectrum of topics from female leadership to artificial intelligence, and from financial independence to the metaverse. The sessions also explored career advice, personal branding, and style. The WE Convention lineup included members of the MENA region royal families HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, HH Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa, tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova, singer, supermodel and the former first lady of France Carla Bruni, digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen, actress Meryem Uzerli, CEO of Maison Schiaparelli Delphine Bellini, psychologists Louise Lambert and Elina Landman, and high-ranking executives from KraftHeinz, TikTok, Microsoft, Visa, Mastercard, and Duolingo, among others.

Empowering Engagement at the WE Convention: Roundtables, Workshops, and Personalized Coaching

Participants had the opportunity to engage in 12 roundtable discussions, each lasting 50 minutes, with industry leaders. These sessions provided a platform to address pressing business and societal issues. Furthermore, five workshops provided attendees with opportunities to delve deeper into areas of interest, perfect their skills, explore new developmental avenues, and express their creativity. Topics covered ranged from negotiation techniques to social media engagement.

A total of 42 one-on-one coaching sessions were conducted by industry professionals in the Mentoring Zone, powered by the Female Factor, a global community for future female leaders. Participants had the opportunity to elevate their careers by securing a 15-minute meeting with the right mentor. These sessions featured industry leaders from fields such as tech, design, health, neuroscience, and the creative minds behind your favorite brands.

Cultivating Wellness and Support: The Serenity Corner and Partnerships at the WE Convention

Over two days at the WE Convention, the unique ‘Serenity Corner’ by Whispers of Serenity Clinic of Oman provided a wellbeing pit stop, offering a space to pause, recharge, and prepare for new opportunities. In addition to helping over 150 women take a much-needed mental break and reflect on personal matters, the corner also offered positive affirmations to take home, a mental health check-in, and a quiz to assess self-confidence levels impacting their career growth.

The Women’s Empowerment Convention is possible due to the invaluable support of our partners: international educational platform Lectera.com, TikTok, jewelry house EIRINE, KraftHeinz and wardrobe & style consultancy Better Ask Anna.

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Building on its inaugural success at Dubai Opera in 2023, the second edition will grace the lavish Atlantis the Royal Dubai. The ambiance of sophisticated luxury will envelop guests, complemented by exquisite catering, ensuring a conducive environment for the enriching agenda of the WE Convention. This year introduces an array of workshops and round-table discussions to run in tandem with the principal program. Together with partners, the WE Convention will also present exclusive thematic zones addressing vital topics. These topics encompass mental health, financial independence, and personal style, among others.

Empowering Women Through Inspirational Speakers and Pragmatic Strategies

Embracing the theme “Big Goals, Bold Choices,” WE Convention 2024 will concentrate on strategies for women to augment their earnings and realize business and career ambitions through empowerment and education. The speakers will divulge proven strategies that have propelled their success, serving as aspirational figures for attendees. The ever-expanding roster of speakers includes members of the MENA region royal families HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum, HH Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, HH Sheikha Jawaher Bint Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Celebrity pipeline includes tennis champion and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova, singer, supermodel and the former first lady of France Carla Bruni, digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen, actress Meryem Uzerli will also participate in the event. Additionally, CEO of Maison Schiaparelli Delphine Bellini, esteemed psychologists Louise Lambert and Elina Landman, and high-ranking executives from KraftHeinz, TikTok, Microsoft, Visa, Mastercard, and Duolingo will be among speakers.

Elevating the Experience: Gala Dinner at Armani Hotel Dubai

Mila Smart Semeshkina, Founder of the Women’s Empowerment Council will address a keynote at the WE Convention. She emphasizes the event’s pragmatic focus: “This year, our array of speakers from real-world business will showcase women who have pioneered their professions, irrespective of privilege, including those who began from scratch or underwent self-reinvention. My vision is for each participant to leave the WE Convention 2024 not just fully inspired to embrace positive change but also equipped with a definitive action plan for their advancement.”

In addition to the main conference, a select group of speakers and premium ticket holders will convene for a Gala Dinner on April 21. The dinner will take place at the Armani Hotel Dubai. The evening’s itinerary includes a red carpet arrival and musical performances, as well as a gourmet meal and high-level networking opportunities. Guests will also enjoy unparalleled views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai fountain.

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Supported by esteemed entities such as the Government of Goa, the Corporation of The City of Panaji, the Directorate of Art and Culture, Goa, the Entertainment Society of Goa, the Goa Tourism Department, Panaji Smart City, and the Goa Forest Department, the festival boasted a diverse curatorial lineup. Notable figures like Sandeep Kumar Sangaru, Chef Thomas Zacharias, Bickram Ghosh, Geeta Chandran, and Quasar Thakore Padamsee, among others, led the way in crafting a unique artistic experience.

Spanning 18 locations, including cultural spaces like the Old GMC Complex, the Art Park, Azad Maidan, Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir ESG Complex, and Nagalli Hills, the festival engaged visitors of all ages with visual, sensorial, and interactive experiences. From the electrifying performance by tabla maestro Zakir Hussain to the enchanting closing by Shilpa Rao, musical evenings were a standout feature.

This year’s edition prioritized inclusivity, especially in its children’s programming led by ThinkArts at the “Young at Art: Children’s Corner.” Workshops and interactive sessions aimed to unleash the creative imagination of young minds, exemplified by Sananda Mukhopadhyaya’s play “Saglejan Kheltat” (Everyone Plays), commissioned by the NGO Quest.

The festival also delved into the realm of sound and visuals with exhibits like “Synaesthetic Notations,” curated by Veerangana Solanki. Works from 15 artists explored the interplay between sound and visual imagery, offering a captivating experience for attendees. Artist Satya’s production, “Hello? Who is Speaking,” used sound and fragmented glass to delve into the layered meaning of ‘self.’

Addressing the pressing issue of climate change, the festival showcased mixed-media exhibitions at the Old PWD Complex. Exhibitions like “Time As a Mother” and “Roots to Resilience” highlighted the fragile relationship between humans and nature, providing unique perspectives on environmental challenges.

Serendipity Arts Festival 2023 also aimed to foster discussions on mental health, body acceptance, and loneliness through workshops, performances and plays. Notable projects included the play “Jump,” which sensitively addressed the topic of suicide, and workshops like “Hello Body” and “The Rhythm in Nothingness.”

In addition to commissioned projects, the festival partnered with institutions globally, weaving cross-cultural narratives and bringing forth diverse artistic creations. Noteworthy projects like “Pixel” and “Epicentre” showcased the intersection of technology, dance, and storytelling.

Ms. Smriti Rajgarhia, Director of Serendipity Arts Foundation & Festival, expressed delight in the collaborative success of the festival, emphasizing the role of culture as a diplomatic tool.

The 2023 edition of the festival featured over 150 events, showcasing the works of more than 1500 artists, with around 15 commissioned works and an exploration of diverse practices and artistic creations through a unique lens. This marked the 8th edition of the festival, with two digitally hosted editions in 2020 and 2021.

For more information about the festival, visit www.serendipityartsfestival.com.

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The National Gallery of Australia and the Museum of Modern Art in New York have been at the forefront of this movement, offering art programs tailored to individuals with dementia since 2007 and 2006, respectively. These programs have proven to be effective in combating loneliness, a pressing issue in our modern world. Museums serve as a “third space,” a haven neither confined to the home nor the workplace, where people can connect with others through shared experiences.

One of the remarkable aspects of these museum visits is the spontaneous interaction they foster among strangers. Visitors often engage in conversations, sharing stories, and exchanging observations about the artwork and exhibits they encounter. It’s not uncommon for individuals to approach museum staff or customer service teams to discuss their personal connections to the displays, recounting family stories related to historical events or objects within the museum’s collections.

Whether it’s reminiscing about the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake or discussing cherished family heirlooms reminiscent of museum artifacts, these interactions play a crucial role in promoting mental health. They offer people an opportunity to connect and engage with others through meaningful experiences and nostalgia-inducing journeys.

The Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative at these museums is not limited to reminiscing and social interaction alone. Recently, the MTG (Museum, Theatre, and Gallery) in the United Kingdom has taken a novel approach with its latest exhibition, “Eye Spy: Curious Stories.” This unique showcase invites visitors to engage with the exhibits using multiple senses, incorporating sight, touch, sound, and even smell. A standout feature of the exhibition is a collaborative project where visitors can contribute to a giant “ei” (similar to a lei) that will eventually fill a wall in the gallery.

Designed to cater to both adults and younger audiences, “Eye Spy: Curious Stories” aims to inspire curiosity and wonder through its diverse collection of objects, questions, and narratives.

The MTG encourages everyone to continue sharing their stories, reactions, and memories, fostering a sense of community and connection among its visitors. These interactions, seemingly small but profoundly impactful, exemplify the therapeutic power of art museums in promoting mental well-being and combatting loneliness.

As the evidence continues to mount, it’s clear that art museums are not just repositories of culture and history; they are also invaluable resources for nurturing our mental health and fostering connections among individuals in our communities.

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As a creative visionary, Waleed has embarked on various projects that challenge societal norms and explore meaningful themes. His acclaimed series titled “Rock Your Ugly – A middle finger to toxic beauty standards” delves into the intersection between physical and mental health through a captivating collection of portraits and accompanying stories. This thought-provoking series has gained global recognition and has been published as a widely acclaimed book. Waleed’s artistic pursuits also extend to his project titled “Magazine Cover,” where he cleverly satirizes prevailing conventions and sheds light on the absurdity of societal expectations. 

Furthermore, he embarked on the project “Mowjood,” capturing compelling portraits of freelancers and entrepreneurs navigating the economic downturn following the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this endeavor, Waleed aims to provide support and inspiration to those facing challenging circumstances. His exceptional work with real people and their stories led to an engaging TED Talk titled “Toxic Beauty Standards.”

In recent times, Waleed has embraced the world of Crypto and NFTs, immersing himself in the journey of gaining and sharing knowledge in this innovative space. Guided by his ethos, he actively educates his community about the importance of blockchain technology. Through his project “FRENS,” minted on Ethereum, he conducts insightful interviews with notable individuals in the crypto realm. Additionally, Waleed has embarked on an art project titled “We Breathe,” which explores the utilization of bodies in the commercial world, offering a unique perspective and sparking intriguing conversations.

In a nutshell, Waleed Shah invites you to connect with him, irrespective of the scale of your project or whether you simply have an idea to discuss.

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Aesthetically, Andrew’s artwork employs grayscale palettes with selective bursts of red color, gritty graphites, and minimalist environments. These visual elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and mood of his pieces, enhancing the emotional impact of his subjects.

Mental health is the primary subject matter explored in Andrew Scott’s work. He delves into the complex psychology of the human mind, examining both its light and dark aspects. Through his art, he seeks to portray the experience of emotional growth, capturing the multitude of feelings that accompany it. From moments of hope, optimism, and joy to periods of confusion, doubt, and fear, Andrew strives to depict the rich and diverse range of emotions that shape our lives.

Andrew Scott’s artwork serves as a platform for exploring and understanding the complexities of the human psyche. By shedding light on mental health, he encourages viewers to engage with these important and often overlooked aspects of our lives. Through his conceptual storytelling and symbolic imagery, Andrew invites reflection and introspection, creating a space for contemplation and dialogue.

With his unique artistic vision and evocative approach, Andrew Scott brings attention to the nuances of mental health, offering a perspective that resonates with viewers and invites them to explore their own emotional journeys.

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Behind some of the most important movements historically, you find that African art is at the root of it,” says Joseph Awuah-Darko. “I think we are now coming to understand that African art does deserve the attention it’s getting.”

Beyond acrylic paintings, Joseph earnestly employs interdisciplinary techniques rooted in local poster design with works on canvas. Additionally, Ghanaian basket weaving and European tapestry-making are also engaged to create both abstract and loosely figurative works that depict symbols of spirituality – rendered in the dystopian beings he describes as Sentinels which famously reference the Akuaba fertility doll originating from Akan culture in Southern Ghana. Often depicting moments of conflict or amorous harmony, Awuah-Darko pulls influences from African literature, Ashanti poetry, and internalized cognitive dreams played back to himself.

The tapestry process usually begins through the weaving of found plastic which is a material he deliberately utilizes in acknowledgment of its complex history. Plastic acts both as an industrial friend and environmental foe given its domestic use yet peril towards the environment respectively. With a documented autobiographical history of suicide attempts, Awuah-Darko’s work presents idiosyncratic visions of the perennial battles with mental wellness and identity, while also alluding to the complicated histories of capitalism and systemic policing.

Joseph utilizes segments of weaved Ghanaian basket-making, and commercial dyes and incorporates satin roses to create the figurative elements within the conceived large-scale woven tapestries. Influenced by artists such as Henri Matisse, Magdalene Odundo, El Anatsui, Andy Warhol, and Atta Kwami, he repetitively investigates emotion through form and shapes, interlacing reality with his singular magical escapist dream state often aligning with his global view. The artist emphasizes a sense of community as he attempts to increasingly place artisanal everyday Ghanaians in the center of his artistic production as a key attribute to his creative proliferation.

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Jacey Eikenbary studied art education at Ball State University and has taught art in elementary schools and art studios for over 5 years. She teaches art classes, focusing on a variety of techniques and materials, to students of all ages within the Dubai community. She is also currently studying for her master’s degree in art therapy. Jacey’s aim is to bring her lifelong passion of creating and her interest in mental health together to help advocate for the healing, expressive qualities art possesses.

Jacey is currently building her portfolio of paintings and experimenting with techniques to begin soon exhibiting her work in galleries and art shows.

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Each person can experience the joy and creativity of dance thanks to the proliferation of performances, workshops, and other dance-related events in communities all over the globe. Throughout the beginning of time, people relied on dance to help them through tough times. It has been an integral part of many rites and ceremonies, as well as a means of self-expression, storytelling, and cultural preservation. Contemporary dance has matured into an art form that audiences of all ages and walks of life can enjoy. Dancing’s impact goes well beyond merely aesthetic or symbolic. It’s great for your health and happiness in so many ways.

Dancing is an excellent kind of physical activity that does wonders for your cardiovascular system, your balance, and your flexibility. In addition to being an effective means of relieving stress and worry, boosting morale and self-assurance, and sharpening mental faculties, it is also an excellent method for generating new ideas and maintaining concentration. On April 29th, the world comes together to honour dance and the many ways it enriches our lives with happiness, community, and deeper significance. Everyone can find a dance style they connect with, whether it’s traditional folk dance, hip-hop, modern dance, or classical ballet. It’s important to remember the value of being creative and expressing ourselves in our daily lives, and dance is a lovely art form that does both. It’s a day set aside to honour the global cultural significance of dance.

As such, it serves as a timely reminder of the positive social, health, and cultural effects that can result from engaging in dance. Let’s get our groove on and share in the pleasure of movement while communicating with one another via dance. 

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