More than 100 young Saudi Artists with autism displayed their pieces of art at the 5th Rishat Tayf series of exhibitions. The event was finalized with a charity auction where a whopping SAR 6.5 million was raised. All of the proceeds will be used to develop and amplify the services in Saudi Arabia for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.
The exhibition was held at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh, where 32 pieces of art were sold to the excited buyers. Prince Saud bin Albdulaziz, who is the chairman of the Society of Autism Families, talked to Arab News about what the event’s function, “Today’s auction returns will be utilized to establish an incubator that hosts and develops the talents of people with autism.”
HRH also went on to talk about the priorities and initiatives that the organization was focused on, “Inventing new operating models to ensure sustainability for the third sector and its beneficiaries is our priority. We have introduced many initiatives at the Society of Autism Families that are of a strategic nature. It is not only about giving autistic individuals a platform; rather, it is about preparing the infrastructure for their future role in society.”
One of the buyers of a SAR 200,000 painting was Turki Al-Sheik, the chairman of the Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, who has expressed his support for everything the Society of Autism Families.
He wrote a message on Twitter, “People with autism spectrum disorder are a precious category for all of us, and I am very happy that the Riyadh Season has reached them and they expressed it through this beautiful painting, and this is the least we can offer them. Thank you to the Society of Autism Families for organizing this event.”
Founded in 2009, The Society of Autism Families’ main aim is to arrange various initiatives, events, and ventures to enhance the quality of life for Saudi Arabians with autism, and the people around them who take care of them. Rishat Tayf is one of the programs they have created include activities, family and friends training and support, help in the professional fields as well including talent development and recruitment, and more.
