NMSS and Dirwaza Launch Arts Apprenticeship for MS Community
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has launched an annual Arts Apprenticeship program in collaboration with Dirwaza Curatorial Lab, an Abu Dhabi-based creative incubator and projects partner, founded by Munira Al Sayegh. The program is designed for people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and similar chronic conditions. The apprenticeship spans two months and four participants will be selected from across the UAE, to be trained by the Dirwaza Curatorial Lab team on curatorial thinking and research . The aim is to develop curatorial skills, from ideating to storytelling and planning for an exhibition, while simultaneously raising awareness about MS.
The program provides unique opportunities for personal and professional growth in the arts sector for people living with MS and other similar chronic conditions. It emphasizes the use of art as a powerful tool for expression and community building, fostering support and understanding for people living with MS. The program, titled “Curatorial Paths: Introduction to Exhibition Curation,” includes immersive experiences such as studio visits and exhibition tours in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and one-on-one mentorship sessions.
Applications are open from September 1 to September 30 on the NMSS’s website and its social media platforms. The successful candidates will learn how to utilize various curatorial tools, such as connecting with a wider community to tell a story, and how art and visuals can add to their proposed narratives.
Maral Alexandrian, Director of Partnership and Fundraising at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), commented,
“Managing MS successfully involves a holistic approach that covers medical treatment, lifestyle adjustments, mental health support, and a strong support network. Following NMSS’s successful participation at Abu Dhabi Art 2023, we are delighted to launch this Arts Apprenticeship Program which empowers people with MS to express themselves and connect with others through exploring arts, learning new skills and engaging with peers. We are grateful for Dirwaza Curatorial Lab’s interest in joining our mission of bettering the lives of people living with MS and look forward to witnessing the success of the inaugural cycle and will continue to work with our partners to maximize the outcomes of creative interventions.”
Munira Al Sayegh, Founder of Dirwaza Curatorial Lab added,
“I am excited to see this program come to light. The role of art is an important one and can belong to everyone and anyone curious enough to ask questions and yearn for connections. The role of stories exists in everyday experiences, and so taking these stories, and amplifying voices through art as the immediate tool, is something very liberating and warrants authorship of one’s perspective. This collaboration with NMSS creates a safe space for those with MS to explore, learn, and advocate for their stories.“
Applications to the program will be reviewed after September 30. Selected participants will be announced on October 21, 2024. To apply, click here.
Visit www.nationalmssociety.ae to discover the many ways you can contribute to the MS community in the UAE, or make a direct contribution through the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an platform.