Noor Dubai Foundation to hold Art 4 Sight auction

Press Release Dubai, UAE: As part of this year’s World Sight Day activities, the Noor Dubai Foundation will raise funds to support those in need of free eye treatments. The Foundation launched the “Art 4 Sight” charity art auction to support its local and global programmes that are focused on the prevention of blindness.

This year’s event is taking place at the Dubai Design District on 11 October 2017. It will see artworks donated by various national and international artists sold in a fundraising auction to support Noor Dubai Foundation’s programs and projects.

The idea of the event came to life, when 12-year-old Fatoumata, from Mali, started painting after she regained her sight following an eye surgery performed by the Noor Dubai Team. Fatoumata, was fascinated by the contrast in colors and amazed the team by painting while still in the recovery phase; something that very few do. This inspired Noor Dubai to launch the event to restore the gift of sight to those less fortunate and give them the opportunity to witness what beauty this world has to offer.

In 2015, Art 4 Sight raised AED 14.7 million (US$ 4 million) to fund blindness treatment, prevention and education programs globally.

Dr. Manal Taryam, CEO of Noor Dubai Foundation said all raised funds this year will go towards setting up a comprehensive rehabilitation center for the irreversibly visually impaired in the UAE. Dr. Taryam encourages the public to visit the charity event to support the noble cause.

“We are thankful for the overwhelming support from prominent local & international artists, local art galleries, and internal auction houses. It is through the support of our partners that Art 4 Sight grows bigger and more successful each year, which helps increase awareness of the ongoing plight of those living in the darkness,” she said.

She added that the exhibition, with support from Tashkeel studios and Dubai Design District, will include over 40 pieces of donated artwork and the auction will once again be managed by Christie’s International.

This year’s event will include 35 local, Arab and international artists donating over 40 pieces of their artwork to help support Noor Dubai programmes. Among the items this year are 2 pieces from the Braille Dubai collection donated by Damas Jewelry.

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, COO, Dubai Design District said: “We welcome the Art 4 Sight charity event by Noor Dubai Foundation to d3 this year. It is an absolute honour to host and support this noble cause, which aims to assist the visually impaired. This year’s event at d3 will include an array of talented Arab and international artists, who have come together in a show of solidarity. At d3, we believe in the power of art and design as a form of expression and a tool for community engagement.  I have no doubt that as d3 grows and develops as a design destination, we will continue to come together to support significant events like these.”