HEMAM- We create!
Status: Closed. Conducted as a one-time pilot collaboration.
UnitedWeDance proudly introduces “HEMAM, We Create!”, a powerful initiative that celebrates the courage and creativity of children of determination through the language of art.
The first HEMAM pilot workshop took place in May 2025, in partnership with the UAE Journalists Association and UmiVerse. Children with Down syndrome from Al Noor School created both a communal artwork and their own 1x1m masterpieces, painted entirely with their hands and feet.
Each child received their individual artwork to take home, along with a calligraphed certificate of participation and a curated artistic gift bag filled with creative tools for home activities. Proceeds from the group painting will fund future workshops that empower more children of determination to express themselves freely through art and movement.
UnitedWeDance remains committed to creating safe, joyful, and inclusive spaces where every child can proudly say: We Create!
Dubai, UAE
The HEMAM initiative took root through a strategic partnership with UmiVerse, founded by Nawal Benzaouia, a globally recognised accessibility and inclusion expert. With academic credentials from IN SHEA Paris and experience leading projects across France, Japan, and the UAE, Nawal brought essential advocacy and expertise to the initiative’s foundation.
UmiVerse had already collaborated with the UAE Journalists Association and Al Noor School, laying a strong foundation for HEMAM to grow. UnitedWeDance joined this alliance by introducing a new artistic methodology, painting directly with hands and feet on canvas, transforming the act of creation into a multisensory, embodied experience where children of determination can tell their stories through movement, touch, and colour, where they can create, where art has no boundaries, and where expression becomes fully inclusive. Because in art, everything is allowed, and every child is an artist.
Guided by the SDGs, Good Health and Wellbeing (3), Quality Education (4), Reduced Inequalities (10), and Partnerships for the Goals (17), HEMAM amplifies the voices of the unheard and brings untold stories to life in powerful, expressive artworks.
Step into a world of colour, connection, and creativity at the HEMAM Action Painting experience, “We Create”, a heartfelt event for Children of Determination, hosted by the UAE Journalists Association in collaboration with UmiVerse and UnitedWeDance.
This was a moment of empowerment, a celebration of self-expression, inclusion, and artistic freedom, where every child, regardless of ability, was able to shine through movement and paint.
Together, we created an atmosphere filled with joy, imagination, and purpose. Guided by the transformative power of art, young participants turned blank canvases into living stories, not just with their hands and feet, but with their presence, their movements, and their spirit.
With the support of UmiVerse and UnitedWeDance, this is an art experience, it's a message, a living testament to what happens when communities unite to uplift, celebrate, and amplify the voices of those who deserve to be seen and heard.
The preparations of this event involved planning and executing the pre-production, production and post-production of artworks, art prints accompanied by videography and photography. We worked closely with the UAE Journalist Association to assess risks and secure the space before the event. Working with Noor School, we ensured that each child of determination had a caregiver and followed proper regulations, to ensure maximum safety while still keeping the event fun for the children!
The pre-event preparations were conducted by the UWD team, involving the founder Sanaz Hanke, the event manager Maria Ceruti, and volunteers Talako, Aayushi and Alia.
At the heart of the HEMAM - We Create! initiative, children of determination were empowered to express their unique voices through collaborative action painting. In a powerful display of inclusion and creativity, participants danced on canvas, transforming movement into meaningful artwork. Organised by the UAE Journalists Association in collaboration with UmiVerse and UnitedWeDance, this initiative celebrated the power of art to unite, uplift, and give visibility to those too often unheard. The result was not only a series of vibrant paintings, but a momentous experience of joy, dignity, and belonging.
Current Exhibit: At the IUCN Congress, Hall 8, Stall 0287, ADNEC Abu Dhabi; between 9th-13th October 2025. Learn more here
Future Exhibit: Art of Ability, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Dubai; 29th October 2025
We are committed to full transparency while remaining a profitable social enterprise. As per UAE regulations, we do not collect donations directly. Instead, if and when a verified third-party or NGO-directed crowdfunding campaign is initiated to support this cause, we will showcase it here.
This section will soon display an integrated campaign link or page, enabling our community to support the impact journey externally and directly through our trusted partners.
Stay tuned – the next step of this journey will be powered by collective action.
Check out the unique artworks created through this process and learn how you can be part of this impact story with your contribution. By owning a one-of-a-kind piece, you’ll give a voice to those it represents, bringing meaningful change into your home. Alternatively, you can contribute through the purchase of an affordable art print series.
If it's still out of your budget, take a look at our merchandise below. 20% of all artwork sales, art prints, and merchandise will be directed to the selected NGO that applied for funding. Details on how the funds will be used are listed under Progress.
A defined percentage of profits (e.g., 20% from originals and 20% from prints) will be channelled to the selected partner. These funds support specific local initiatives outlined in the proposal phase and are monitored throughout implementation.
We conduct follow-up visits and audits approximately 12 months after profit allocation to ensure that funds are used as intended. Documentation and updates from the field will be shared transparently to close the loop of impact.
In this specific case, we see that the HEMAM workshops are continued quaterly.....
Status: Closed. Conducted as a one-time pilot collaboration.
HEMAM Project
The HEMAM Project is a UAE initiative dedicated to advancing inclusion and empowerment for People of Determination. It fosters cultural, educational, and creative opportunities that celebrate diversity, amplify voices, and build a society where inclusion is the standard, not the exception.
UmiVerse
UmiVerse is a platform that connects creativity, culture, and community to drive social impact. Through partnerships, events, and co creative initiatives, UmiVerse empowers diverse voices, promotes inclusion, and transforms artistic expression into a catalyst for dialogue and change.
Exhibition
IUCN World Conservation Congress
UnitedWeDance will showcase live action painting at the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi from 9 to 15 October. Their exhibit highlights co creation with Indigenous leaders and NGOs, inclusive storytelling through art, and sustainable, low waste practices. Every other day at 15:00, they will host live performances, invite one NGO to join on canvas, and display eight artworks with impact stories. The initiative aims to foster collaboration, amplify voices, and build lasting partnerships for equity, conservation, and nature positive outcomes.
Where to find us
- Venue, ADNEC, Hall 8
- Exhibition days, 9 to 13 October
- Live action painting, every other day at 15,00, set up from 14,00
Art of Ability Conference
”The Art of Ability: Inclusion Through Expression” is a key initiative in UmiVerse’s continued partnership with the UAE Journalists Association, within the framework of the HEMAM Project.
This initiative aims to:
Promote inclusion for People of Determination (PODs)
Amplify diverse voices in media and society
Foster educational and cultural spaces where inclusion is the standard, not the exception.
Where to find us
- Date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
- Venue: Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Dubai
- Register: here
- Places are limited to 120, registration will close once capacity is reached.
- Excellent networking opportunity, UNESCO Chair delegates will be flying in from Europe, alongside distinguished speakers and culture partners.
Art of Ability Exhibition
Later on October, 29th, an exclusive UnitedWeDance exhibit revealing the HEMAM artwork co created with Children of Determination
- Planned between 4 pm and 8 pm
- Venue: nearby hotel, to be announced closer to the date
- Preview film of the artwork presented at the exhibit: Watch now
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