Therapeutic effect of visual art highlighted through the Abu Dhabi Festival exhibition marking Autism Awareness Month Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in association with Gulf Capital, launched thePicture This Exhibition earlier this month as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival 2016 community & education programme. Displaying at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island until 30 April, Picture This marks Autism Awareness Month and continues ADMAF's pioneering work highlighting the proven therapeutic effect of visual arts on children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, particularly autism. The artworks on display were created following a series of 23 workshops held since January by ADMAF. Workshops included students from The New England Center for Children Abu Dhabi, The Future Centre for Special Needs, GOALS UAE and The Autism Society, in collaboration with START. The Abu Dhabi Festival takes place across the UAE 3–30 April 2016. For further information on Abu Dhabi Festival 2016 tickets, schedules, venues and performances please visit the Festival website www.abudhabifestival.ae. Abu Dhabi Festival can also be followed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat (ADFestival). View an interactive version of ADMAF's special 20th anniversary publication and film on admaf20.com. About The Abu Dhabi Festival Under the patronage of of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Abu Dhabi Festival is the UAE's leading celebration of arts and culture. Launched in 2004, it continues to attract the highest calibre of artists to the UAE capital every year. The Festival has secured its place as the Arabian Gulf's largest cultural event and has established partnerships with some of the world's most influential cultural institutions including the Institut du Monde Arabe, Institut Francais, Edinburgh International Festival, Royal Opera House and Carnegie Hall. In addition to a world-class, multidisciplinary programme at Emirates Palace, the Festival's educational and community programmes bring together artists, students, community groups and cultural organisations from across the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Festival actively supports emerging Emirati talent and advocates the importance of arts and culture in all aspects of life in the UAE. For more information please visit our website at: www.abudhabifestival.ae
