START is a non-profit organisation founded by Art Dubai and the Al Madad Foundation which applies the universal language of art to heal, educate and enrich the skills and opportunities of disadvantaged children across the Middle East. “We believe every child has the right to self-expression, to be heard and acknowledged either orally, in writing or through artistic expression.”
The START programme seeks to educate and empower these children by giving them a voice through the expression of art, by engaging them with their communities and their peers, and by teaching them a sense of self-worth.

In the UAE, START provides workshops for children with a variety of special needs. START also has a permanent presence in Jordan offering art education for refugee and orphaned children, along with operating workshops in Palestine and Lebanon.

“Our vision is for children and young adults to create a future as rich and free as their imagination.”

This beautiful START film offers a fantastic overview of the programme and includes inspirational footage from their workshops in Dubai and Jordan.

As a non-profit organisation START relies heavily on the generosity of donors and the kind support of volunteers. START welcomes all support; whether you have a fundraising initiative you would like to implement, are an artist yourself willing to gift your time and expertise or even if you have a non-artist background but would like to volunteer your support.

For more information visit the START website. Alternatively you can call the START Dubai Office on +971 4 384 2011 or email START Regional Manager, Nicola Lee on nicola@artdubai.ae.