Beyond the Frame: Art be a Part Gala 2025 Raises AED 2.8 Million to Empower Children of Determination
Dubai’s cultural calendar reached new heights with one of its most inspiring evenings of the year as The Art be a Part Gala 2025 (TAG25) returned under the theme “Beyond the Frame: Art and the Future of Inclusion.” Hosted by Medha Nanda, Founder of Art be a Part, and presented in partnership with Ellington Properties as title sponsor, the gala took place inside the striking architectural marvel of the Museum of the Future.
Bringing together leading voices from the worlds of art, design, and philanthropy, the event was a moving celebration of creativity and compassion. TAG25 highlighted the vital role art can play in building a more inclusive future, raising an extraordinary AED 2.8 million in support of Dubai Cares and UNICEF.
The Art be a Part Gala 2025 (TAG25)
A Night of Art, Generosity, and Vision
The highlight of the evening came during the charity auction, expertly hosted by Tom Urquhart, where an exceptional lineup of artworks by both celebrated and emerging artists went under the hammer. Each piece told a powerful story, blending creativity with purpose, and every bid represented a tangible step toward greater inclusion for children of determination.
The auction featured remarkable contributions from artists including eL Seed, Stefania Nazzal, Alia Lootah, Lorenzo Quinn, Paresh Maity, Tina Gavasheli, and many others.
Among the evening’s most unforgettable moments was the auction of Domingo Zapata’s vibrant and emotionally charged painting, which sparked a bidding frenzy before selling for a record-breaking AED 1 million, the highest bid of the night. The crowd erupted in applause, reflecting the generosity and unity that defined the event.
Each contribution directly supported Dubai Cares and UNICEF, empowering children through inclusive education initiatives that open doors to opportunity and equality. The evening’s success reaffirmed how art, beyond its aesthetic value, can serve as a powerful catalyst for change.
The charity auction, expertly hosted by Tom Urquhart
Performances That Inspired
As the auction concluded, the night continued with a captivating live performance by Parson James, whose soulful music perfectly encapsulated the evening’s spirit of celebration, creativity, and purpose. The performance wove together art and emotion, energising the audience and transforming the gala into a fully immersive experience that blended visual art, music, and philanthropy.
Auction Highlights
eL Seed: Locke III — Sold for AED 175,000
Paresh Maity: A Magical Morning — Sold for AED 420,000
Alia Lootah: Paper Folds — Sold for AED 41,000
Lorenzo Quinn: I Give You My Heart III — Sold for AED 320,000
Stefania Nazzal: The Stars We See — Sold for AED 95,000
Tina Gavasheli: Wave of Life — Sold for AED 70,000
Notable guests included Sanjeev Nanda, H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Jwana Karim, Majid Jafar, Mary Habib, Sima Ved, Stephane Larher, Namrata Shroff, Barkha Shewakramani, and Hala Khayat, each contributing to the event’s atmosphere of generosity and global community.
Live performance by Parson James
Voices of Impact
“This year’s Art be a Part Gala was a truly inspiring celebration of creativity and community,” said Medha Nanda, Founder of Art be a Part. “Beyond the Frame came to life beautifully—every artwork, every performance, and every guest contributed to a night that not only celebrated art but made a real impact in supporting children’s education and inclusion.”
Joseph Thomas, Co-Founder of Ellington Properties, shared:
“The Art be a Part Gala exemplifies how creativity and philanthropy can come together to create meaningful impact. We are proud to support this incredible initiative that brings the community together to make a tangible difference in the lives of children worldwide.”
H.E. Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, CEO and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, added:
“The Art be a Part Gala reaffirms the art community’s unique ability to inspire creativity while mobilising support for transformative change. It’s a testament to the power of artistic engagement in advancing inclusive development for children with special needs.”
Arjan de Wagt, Chief of UNICEF India (Nutrition), also commented:
“This evening celebrates how creativity can be harnessed to transform lives. The funds raised will directly contribute to ensuring inclusive education and opportunities for children with special needs, helping them realise their full potential.”
Medha Nanda, Founder of Art be a Part.
Transforming Lives Through Art
The funds raised from TAG25 will directly support Art be a Part’s ongoing initiatives with Dubai Cares and UNICEF, focusing on expanding inclusive education systems globally. These efforts empower frontline educators and strengthen collaboration between education, health, and social sectors to ensure equitable access to quality learning.
Key initiatives include:
Early identification and support for children with disabilities.
Home-Based Education programmes for children with severe disabilities.
Training for parents and caregivers to enhance home learning environments.
Development of UNICEF’s comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for resource rooms, defining quality standards for inclusive education facilities.
Lorenzo Quinn: I Give You My Heart III — Sold for AED 320,000
SpArK: A Beacon for Inclusive Education
A standout initiative supported by Art be a Part is SpArK, which integrates children with special needs into government schools across India. Using art and play-based learning, SpArK educates communities on the importance of inclusion and equips teachers and parents to support their children’s growth better.
The programme’s approach, now being adopted by government schools, has created real, measurable change by transforming classrooms into environments of creativity, empathy, and acceptance.
Art with Purpose
With every edition, Art be a Part continues to demonstrate how creativity and compassion can coexist to create tangible, lasting impact. The 2025 gala was not only a showcase of artistic brilliance but also a reminder of the collective strength of Dubai’s creative community, uniting art, architecture, and humanity under one vision: to create a world where every child, regardless of ability, can thrive.
As Dubai strengthens its role as a global centre for culture and creativity, Art be a Part stands as a shining example of what can happen when art moves beyond the frame and into the heart of change.
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