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The Pearl Initiative, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advocating corporate governance in the region, partnered with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) to co-host a panel discussion on the ‘Role of Philanthropy in the Creative Economy’ at Ivy’s Secret Garden in Dubai.

The event is part of ADMAF’s ‘Riwaq Al Fikr’ series, which is designed to engage the public by hosting influential thinkers across the region. The panel brought together a diverse group of experts and leaders from the art, philanthropy and cultural sectors, as well as individuals passionate about community development, with philanthropy being a driver to sustainable growth and innovation in the arts, and broader societal wellbeing.

The panel featured key voices such as Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, Nada Rasa, Director of Alserkal Arts Foundation, Uns Kattan, Deputy Director and Head of Learning and Research at Art Jameel, and Shireen Atassi, Managing Director of Atassi Foundation and moderator of the session.

The discussion centred on philanthropy’s vital role in empowering artists, nurture cultural innovation, and promote social cohesion, particularly in a post-pandemic world where the arts have faced significant financial challenges.

“At Art Dubai, we are committed to supporting local cultural ecosystems, championing artistic voices from less-represented geographies, and providing an important gateway for discovery, learning and exchange”, said Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai.

“Philanthropy has always been an important facilitator for our goals since we first launched in 2007, enabling us to foster positive impact for our community. Through a number of businesses and governmental partnerships, we deliver extensive and long-term initiatives that cultivate the next generation of cultural leaders and support long-term growth of the UAE’s cultural sector.”

The members of the panel noted that philanthropic efforts have the potential to shape the future of the creative economy by supporting long-term growth and providing much-needed resources for artists and cultural organisations. They emphasised that investing in arts and culture goes beyond economic returns; it fosters creativity, encourages intellectual exploration, and enhances community engagement.

“Philanthropy is a key driver of innovation and sustainability in the creative sector, and the Pearl Initiative is proud to support efforts that bring impact and transparency to philanthropic endeavours in the Arts”, said Anissa Punjani, Governance in Philanthropy Programme Manager at the Pearl Initiative.

“We strongly believe that by fostering key partnerships and championing good governance in philanthropy, we can create a strong foundation for the arts to flourish. Our goal is to create strategic, positive impact that resonates far beyond funding, contributing to a vibrant and sustainable creative economy.”