Kenaz, the UAE’s pioneering mobile art caravan, has been on the move since January last year, bringing art to the doorstep of communities across the country. Founded by Emirati artist and educator Ghaleya Almansoori, this innovative project aims to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of location. Equipped with a wide range of art supplies, Kenaz offers free classes and workshops in remote and distant areas, fostering a vibrant cultural exchange and artistic expression.
Ghaleya Almansoori’s vision for Kenaz was born out of her experiences working in community outreach programs. She noticed a lack of resources and spaces for art enthusiasts in rural areas, which inspired her to create a mobile studio that could reach these communities. The caravan is named after a camel on her father’s farm in Liwa, symbolizing her connection to her heritage.
Kenaz has covered over 10,000 kilometers, visiting places like Al Sila on the UAE-Saudi border and Qidfa in Fujairah. Almansoori’s journey with Kenaz has been remarkable, witnessing how it has become a hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression. Participants of all ages have flocked to the caravan, discovering their creative potential in schools, colleges, communities, parks, and festivals.
The caravan is stocked with paints, brushes, easels, and other art materials, allowing participants to engage in art lessons both outdoors and indoors during the hot summer months. Almansoori’s passion for preserving Emirati culture is evident in her workshops, which include traditional handicrafts like Al Talli embroidery and Khoos weaving. She also conducts unique workshops such as spice art, using turmeric, zafran, coffee, and paprika as painting materials.
Community engagement is at the heart of Kenaz. Participants have expressed newfound confidence in their artistic abilities and a renewed sense of creativity. The project operates with the help of volunteers and support from various organizations. Kenaz has participated in several heritage festivals, offering memorable experiences for attendees. For instance, American expat Nicole Walters and her daughter enjoyed a spice art workshop at the Al Ain Date Festival, while Emirati Sara Al Marzouqi discovered her artistic side at the Al Marmoon Film Festival in Dubai.
As Kenaz continues to travel across the UAE, it remains a testament to the transformative power of art and community engagement. Almansoori’s dedication to spreading the joy of creating art has touched many lives, inspiring a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts.
