"Man From Oman" by Kholood Al-Bakr
Over 200 hundred art lovers came together at Alaan Artspace on the night of Tuesday, June 3rd, to appreciate the fine art of Saudi photography, and to contribute to a worthy cause. Riyadh+Acumen, a volunteer chapter in support of Acumen, organized the 2nd DIGNITY exhibit which was curated by Banafsajeel, a cultural platform facilitating the exchange of ideas and inspiration and supporting artists in the GCC. 21 collectible photos by 7 award-winning, established and emerging Saudi photographers were displayed in the exhibit. The photographers were Abdullah Al Shehri, Dhafer Al-Shehri, Faisal Al Malki, Heba Al-alkami, Kholood Al-Bakr and Sami Al Tokhais.
Curated by Banafsajeel the event aimed to highlight the diversity of practice among some of Saudi Arabia’s creative talents. From black & white everyday street life to abstract and symbolic works, photographers reflected their vision of ‘Dignity’ by exhibiting photos of their encounters with individuals whose lives can often be a struggle. The works were auctioned off using an innovative bidding format of writing the amount the buyer is willing to pay. Moreover, individuals who were not able to be present during the event were offered an option to participate as absentee bidders.
The first DIGNITY photography exhibit took place in late 2012. All the proceedings of DIGNITY events go towards investment in social enterprises that provide critical goods and services to underprivileged communities based on their specific needs, in line with Acumen’s vision of promoting the notion of DIGNITY over dependence.
"Balloons Lady 6" by Heba Al-alkami
"Ladies of Zanzibar" by Sami Al Tokhais
About Acumen:
Acumen is a not-for-profit working to change the way the world tackles poverty by investing in companies, leaders and ideas. Acumen invests patient capital in business models that deliver critical goods and services to the world’s poor, improving the lives of millions. Since 2001, Acumen has invested more than $83 million in 73 companies across South Asia and Africa. We are also working to build a global community of emerging leaders that believe in creating a more inclusive world through the tools of both business and philanthropy.
About RIYADH+Acumen:
RIYADH+acumen is a self-organized, volunteer-led group that seeks to inspire and empower like-minded individuals in Riyadh who are passionate about supporting Acumen Fund’s mission to create a world beyond poverty. It is one of 20+acumen chapters around the world sharing the principles of patient capital, cultivating an understanding of Acumen Fund’s values, and putting these principles into practice in our community. RIYADH+acumen was founded in 2012, in Riyadh, by Noor Aldabbagh, Lujain Al Ubaid, Tamara Yaqub and Mohammed Al-Saadoun. Since then, it has organised creative events in Riyadh to raise awareness about social innovation.
About Banafsajeel:
Banafsajeel is a unique cultural platform facilitating the exchange of ideas and inspiration through creative collaborative projects. Founded by Noor Aldabbagh, Banafsajeel supports the growth of artists by creating opportunities for exposure for their work. It facilitates broader understanding of the value of art and the social benefits of creative expression.
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