Four SEAF Fellows head to their Master Studies

In aim to support emerging artists by developing their talents at the earliest stages of their growth, we are thrilled to announce that four of our fellows from the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship (SEAF) program have been accepted at internationally prominent universities to pursue their master studies.

Afra Al Dhaheri, Asma Belhamar, Farah Al Qassimi and Walid Al Wawi were all participants of the first cohort of the SEAF program which is delivered in partnership with Rhode Island School of Design. SEAF, a 1 year program that offers promising artists with an innovative suite of academic courses, technical skills workshops, a studio practicum, an educational visit to the United States and an opportunity of a scholarship to complete a Masters of Fine Arts.

Afra Al Dhaheri, a graduate from Zayed University with a BA in Art & Design, have been accepted at Rhode Island School of Design for a 2 year master’s program in painting. She believes being part of the SEAF program was a great support in preparation for applying for a graduate program.

Another graduate from Zayed University with a BA in Art & Design, Asma Belhamar will be starting her MFA in Textile Design this summer also at the Rhode Island School of Design. After completion of her MFA, Asma’s ultimate goal is to bring back an advanced and rich set of new skills to incorporate in her future art projects.

Walid Al Wawi, was accepted at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London to pursue a 2 year master’s program in fine arts. Being part of the SEAF program helped Walid to understand the importance of obtaining a master degree and prepared him for the intensive application process. His plan after completing his degree is to pursue a career in art education.

Completing her undergraduate studies at Yale University in Art, Farah Al Qassimi returns again, after being accepted into a 2 year program of master of fine arts in Photography. It took Farah several months to build and edit a cohesive meaning full portfolio that represents her and her work. She identifies the SEAF program as a great support in tailoring her application, and refining her artist statement throughout the application process.

In our commitment to support emerging artists in the UAE so that they can realize their full potential, the Foundation will support these four promising artists tuition and living expenses during their 2 years of master’s studies and will look forward to their return with a wealth of new knowledge and skill-set that will surely advance their practice as artists as well as the arts ecosystem in the UAE.