The newly created "Empower-U" project, led by four students from Dubai, aims to increase art's accessibility and inclusivity in the hectic world of today.

From humble beginnings as a means of showcasing the artwork of a special needs student living in Dubai, Empower-U has developed into a non-profit organisation committed to marketing and showcasing the creative abilities of people with courage all over the world.
Dev Vohra, Zahaan Anand, Akshaj Harihar, and Jaiditya Malik, four high school students from Dubai, decided to assemble their resources and build a location that would spotlight individuals with tenacity and their artistic abilities after spending their summer holidays with determined artists.

During my summer internship, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand how art is purchased and sold based on its perceived worth. Abdulla Lutfi is an autistic Emirati "Black & White" artist. I observed Abdulla as he positioned his paintings and found his place. What he first used as a communication tool is now used by All Saints, Converse, Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, DXB Airport, and more. Co-founder Zahaan Anand adds, "He has developed into such a skilled artist and entrepreneur, and this is the trajectory we wish for all artists."
Co-founder Dev Vohra says, "I felt it was time for us to get together to work on creating a digital platform that showcases and promotes the creations of individuals with special needs because I had a similar experience working with Shrishti."

Empower-U's fundamental goal is to provide a space where people with special needs may freely and proudly express themselves via their art and generate a respectable income for themselves. The programme aims to recognise the ingenuity of these artists and break down boundaries while enabling them to share their distinct viewpoints with the world, acknowledging the innate potential and originality within this group.

As word gets out, art galleries, orphanages, and other organisations are starting to take notice of Empower-U. Co-founder Akshaj Harihar continues, "Empower-U isn't just a website showcasing art pieces; it is about the bigger picture of inclusivity and financial empowerment."

"This is an excellent platform for driven individuals just starting out." However, when they achieve more success like Abdulla did, they should be acknowledged and welcomed as "artists," not as disabled artists, according to Gulshan Kavarana, Lutfi's manager and mentor and co-founder of Special Families Group.
"We intend to expand our scope to encompass other forms of artistic expression, including sculptures and photography, embracing diverse mediums of creativity," Jaiditya Malik continued, "despite our initial focus on visual art." We also intend to include people with special needs in our outreach beyond children.

By means of the transforming potential of art, Dev, Zahaan, Akshaj, and Jaiditya hope to provide a path towards a society that is more accepting, creative, and inclusive.