American University of Sharjah (AUS) received a collection of paintings donated by acclaimed artists in the UAE during their visit to the university on April 1. The venture was initiated by Dr. Najat Meky in recognition of the university's role in supporting cultural creativity across the arts, literature and sciences within the larger community.

The paintings, which were donated in order to enrich the art collection at AUS and to encourage art to continue to flourish within the university culture, were received by Dr. Nada Mourtada-Sabbah, AUS Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs and Salem Al Qaseer, AUS Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs.
Artists donating paintings to the AUS art collection included Abdul Rahim Salem, Dr. Najat Meky, Mona Al Khaja, Ismail Al Rifai, Mohammed Al Qassab, Mohammed Fahmi, Abdel Qader Al Mubarak, Ehsan Al Khatib and Obaid Suroor.

"These painting as gifts represent the bond between our university and community leaders in all walks of life, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Sharjah and President of AUS," stated Vice Chancellor Al Qaseer, as he welcomed the artists' delegation.

Vice Chancellor Mourtada-Sabbah remarked, "Part of the university's mission is to cultivate the fine arts, literature and sciences within the Emirates. All creative innovators need similar-minded people to share their often avant-garde ideas and techniques of artistic expression, and to inspire one another in pushing their individual talents forward. The university is committed to enabling students and alumni to further their skills in the arts and sciences through interacting with established experts like the acclaimed artists in the UAE and the GCC."

During their visit to AUS, the artists thanked the university's leadership for channeling the latest in scientific and artistic know-how to enhance the networking of professional and alumni artists, which in turn helps students and alumni establish themselves in the art world by networking academia with creative artists, writers and scientists in the UAE community. They also remarked, "Not only does AUS encourage the arts, but its striking buildings are ideal for permanently displaying the collection."

As part of the university goal to have the arts flourish within the university community, an art exhibition entitled Art through University and Community Dialogue will be held on Thursday, June 7 at the AUS campus, and will coincide with the graduation luncheon of the Spring Class of 2012.