In line with its vision to enhance and build competencies of female professionals, the BadiriEducation and Development Academy, the education and capacity building arm of NAMA Women Advancement (NAMA), recently organised a field visit to offer a comprehensive understanding of the creative entrepreneurship opportunities in the emirate of Sharjah and explore ways to transform creative ideas into sustainable businesses.

Participants of the Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme (BEP) visited the Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF) to explore its entrepreneurship projects and creative environment. During their visit, they met with Sheikha Nawar Al Qassimi, Vice President of SAF, and networked with the foundation’s staff to gain insights into the mode of operations in the art sector.

The participants were briefed on SAF’s new projects and its role in fostering creativity and the spirit of enterprise in the emirate. BEP participants were also provided an overview of SAF’s various programmes that support artists to develop and promote their businesses and gained an insight on the impact of its courses in nurturing artistic activities in Sharjah and the UAE.

Supporting the creative industries

Sheikha Nawar Al Qasimi, Vice President of SAF, said: “Since inception, the foundation’s goals have been geared towards supporting the art industry at the local, regional and international levels. We are also focused on introducing arts on a broader scale to build recognition of the central role art can play in the life of a community. Therefore, it was a great pleasure to receive Badiriparticipants and showcase our programmes and initiatives that highlight contemporary arts and those working in various sectors within it.”

Inspiring environment

For her part, Dr. Mona Al Ali, Manager of the Badiri Education and Development Academy, said: “Thanks to the unparalleled support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, art has become an integral component of Sharjah’s socio-economic landscape. The emirate is an inspiring platform for artists and entrepreneurs and has become an attractive destination for creative business projects.”

“SAF has an outstanding record of remarkable achievements in supporting the creative economy. It has been instrumental in adopting art business ventures and elevating the status of startups in this sector to play a key role in supporting Sharjah’s economy. For participants of the Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme, the visit to SAF enabled them to acquire essential knowledge of best practices in starting an art business and the skills required to make it successful and impactful,” she added.

Best practices

For their part, the Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme participants expressed their happiness on gaining valuable understanding of best practices to strengthen their creative skills and expertise in the booming art sector. They also pointed out the benefits and value of the Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme, which has provided them with the skills and tools to grow and sustain their businesses.

Creative Studio

Aisha Khalifa, a Badiri Entrepreneurship Programme participant, discussed the concept idea of her business during the visit. She said: “The Creative Studio is aimed at providing educational arts and crafts programmes for children between the ages of 3 and 12, through which we want to instil creative expression in children without restrictions or preconceived notions. It is designed to promote creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to overcome challenges and raise children’s confidence and self-esteem. The Creative Studio will provide parents with an outlet to ensure children utilise their spare time in creative and fun activities.”

Creative Gift Shop

For her part, Alia Rashid said her Creative Gift Shop project is focused on creating unique designs befitting a range of occasions. Using recyclable materials to adhere to best environmental practices, the range of gifts are exceptional in both value and design elegance.