Fingerprints showcases DWC students' artistic talents

Sponsored by Emirates Foundations in collaboration with Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association and Dubai Ladies Club, the three-day exhibition displayed the projects created, designed and produced by Dubai Women's College (DWC) Year Three Applied Communications' students over the past three years.

Fingerprints aimed at showcasing the students' artistic and creative works in the fields of design, media, photography, journalism and film to the public including experts, employers, art and media supporters among others.

Dr. Howard Reed, Director of Dubai Women's college praised the students' outstanding work and urged employers to seek out talented students.

"The talented graduates from DWC's Applied Communications Department have difficulty finding positions that utilize their skills and knowledge. We encourage media related employers to hire these talented young Emiratis,"

he pointed out.

Some of the work displayed at Fingerprints received international recognition and awards such as the AIGA Aspen Design Challenge, the Gulf Film Festival (first and second editions), Dubai International Film Festival, and Ibda'a Awards. Students have also created children stories in collaboration with DWC's Education Department and Jerboa Publishing in Dubai.

Salama Al Mazrouei, Project Coordinator, Arts and Culture, Emirates Foundation said that one of the Emirates Foundation priorities is to support young people and students.

"Emirates Foundation pays great attention to the importance of projects aimed to promote opportunities for diversity and cultural enrichment. The program aspires to encourage the contributions of the artists, and support through the provision of grants, organizing exhibitions and museums. The program covers the culture and arts including fine arts, music, cinema, and theater, where the focus is to develop and highlight the talents of local artists of all ages, by providing them with financial support and allowing them to take part in prominent competitions," she pointed out.

DWC's Applied Communications students produced very strong documentaries, public service announcements and feature films discussing issues of importance and interest not only to viewers in the United Arab Emirates, but also to international viewers. These issues and topics included censorship, marriage, plastic surgery and global water crisis.

Mai Sulaiman, Communications Director of Dubai Ladies Club, said that the Club is delighted to be able to support DWC on this project and add to its success. "The stated objective of Dubai Ladies Club is to help Emirati women realize their potential, and as a result, contribute to an ever changing, dynamic, modern society. This exhibit has succeeded in creating opportunities for emerging artists from the UAE to showcase and promote their work," added Mai.

Applied Communications is one of five educational programs offered at Dubai Women's College. More than 70 Emirati students are enrolled in the program, which combines theoretical and practical media studies. Graduates of DWC Applied Communications are general media practitioners, who are well-qualified to work in different media genres.