SHARJAH, May 20th, 2013 (WAM)--With cooperation from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Business Women Council, Tawasul has organised a philanthropic art auction.

This was held under the patronage of H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and his wife, H. H. Sheikh Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs and Patron of the Sharjah Business Women Council.

This auction is aligned with the vision of H. H. Sheikh Dr Sultan who has consistently encouraged the enhancement of the education system as it is a key factor in developing the nation and creating a better future for the society in general and orphans in particular. As a not-for-profit entity aiding the UAE society by providing education for orphans, Tawasul?s mandate is to support and sustain this underprivileged segment of the population to achieve their ambitions, and integrate them into the society.

Elaborating on the auction, Sheikh Sultan said: "I am greatly pleased to see our community generously showing its support for underprivileged children. We are keen to integrate orphans into our society and help them to move forward. I am personally very pleased with the role played by H. H. Sheikha Jawaher in this respect, and we are willing to provide all the support she needs to benefit orphans."Sharing her views on the auction, Sheikha Jawaher said: "Underprivileged children are a top priority for us, hence we are offering effective programmes and initiatives that improve their capabilities so that they can eventually contribute to national growth."She added: "The Orphans Education Fund generously supports us in this initiative, in collaboration with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Sharjah Business Women Council. With the collective support of these organisations, we can help orphans to achieve their ambitions in life through education." Elaborating on her contribution, Sheikha Jawaher explained: "Art is a universal language that can communicate with anyone in the world, and send messages of hope to the underprivileged. Motivated by the medium of art, Tawasul has expanded its humanitarian horizons by conducting this auction via the internet to sell artistic masterpieces by Middle Eastern artists. The proceeds from this auction will go towards benefitting orphans so that they can have a brighter future like any other children."She also expressed her appreciation to the Sharjah Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Sharjah Business Women Council and the artists who participated in the auction. She went on to urge constructive collaborations between organisations and various members of society to achieve humanitarian benefits.

In order to fulfill this vision, charity auctions were held via the internet, under the patronage of H. H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Al Qassimi and his wife, H. H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi. These featured 31 artistic items from 26 contemporary artists in the Middle East and North Africa. Sheikh Sultan participated in the auction by buying a piece of art worth US$60,000; while Sheikha Jawaher bought an artistic piece worth US$40,000.

The artwork purchased by Sheikh Dr. Sultan was created by Tunisian artist Najan Mahadwi. It was executed using Indian ink and papyrus material, and the bidding for this piece began at US$20,000. The artistic piece bought by Sheikha Jawaher was created around the concept of engine power, and the bidding for this piece began at $15,000.

Ahmed Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Tawasul, praised the passionate interest and generous support from Sheikh Sultan and Sheikha Jawaher in this initiative, urging the private sector to follow their inspiring examples and support the initiative as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.

The participating artists included Fadi Yazigi from Syria and the Moroccan Hassan Hajjaj, in addition to one of the most renowned contemporary artists from Iran, Farhad Moshiri. Bahraini artists Balqees Fakhro, Jaffar Al Oraibi, Omar Rashid and Abdul Rahim Sharif also participated, while Kuwait was represented by Sami Mohammed, who commented on his work: "I am the voice of those who do not have a voice." Palestinian artist Samia Halaby participated, while the Emirati artists included Maitha Bin Daimthan, Matar Bin Lahej, Somia Al Suwaidi and Maison Saleh. Maitha bin Matar Bin Lahej led a charity-oriented exhibition. The participating countries included the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iran, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Syria, Palestine, Oman, Kuwait and Jordan.

The majority of exhibitions focused on the role played by energy, and the infinite potential of individuals to bring about the desired change. Participating artists conveyed this by using various tools and techniques. Their paintings included outstanding masterpieces about love, hope, ambition and faith, while building a brighter future for future generations.

The profit of the charity auction is a key tributary to the efforts of the Secretariat of Orphans Education Fund orphans "Tawasul" in the financing of projects, and other charitable works undertaken by the transmit power to all of the projects that are in favor of providing the necessary support for orphans in the field of academic and scientific research.

Tawasul has contributed, since its founding, to educating more that 30 male and female students from citizens and different nationalities in the state; and supported the prphans students in the universities across the country. The Auction will run till 14 June 2013.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.