Empowering Creativity Through Inclusion: VCUarts Qatar Collaborates with Renad Academy

VCUarts Qatar’s Community and Continuing Education (CCE) department proudly launched Creative Minds: Hands-On Exploration, a six-week program designed for students from Renad Academy—a center dedicated to supporting children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—as part of its Spring 2025 community outreach initiative. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and the transformative power of the arts.

A Thoughtfully Designed Program for Unique Learners

The Creative Minds program was created through a series of in-depth meetings with Renad Academy’s team to ensure alignment with their educational philosophy. Built around Renad’s three pillars—Educational Programming, Social Skills Development, and Recreational Activities—the workshops were intentionally structured to nurture fine motor skills, creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and self-expression.

Led by illustrator and VCUarts Qatar alumna Shima Aeinehdar, the sessions blended LEGO engineering, playdough sculpting, and painting. These activities were thoughtfully chosen to engage students’ senses, support cognitive and motor skill development, and build confidence through hands-on, tangible outcomes.

Each class followed a predictable and structured format: introduction, demonstration, hands-on activity, and wrap-up. This consistency provided the clear expectations and routine that students with ASD often appreciate, while also encouraging creativity and exploration within a supportive environment.

A Journey of Creativity, Growth, and Joy

The impact was immediate and heartwarming. As Mr. Edward, a teacher from Renad Academy, shared:

“Every student in my class has engaged with the joy of creativity through exploring various art forms, from painting to clay to origami. This experience has not only sparked their creativity but also positively impacted their focus and expression throughout the school week. All the students look forward to their class at VCUarts and have embraced the calm, patient, nurturing nature of the class.”

Students echoed this enthusiasm with comments such as:

• “I liked learning.”
• “I liked clay, origami, painting.”
• “My favorite was painting the clay.”
• “I liked to go somewhere new.”
• “I liked Ms. Shima and Mr. Ahmed.”

Their excitement highlights how meaningful, inclusive arts programming can foster not only creativity but also confidence, curiosity, and joy.

Ms. Zeina, another instructor from Renad Academy, reflected on the broader impact:

“We are incredibly grateful to VCUarts Qatar for offering these art sessions to our students with autism. Their instructors, who were wonderfully autism-friendly, created a supportive and engaging environment where our students felt encouraged to explore their creativity. The impact it had on their self-expression and confidence was truly remarkable. We look forward to continuing and expanding this collaboration to empower even more students through the arts.”

Strategic Engagement and Community Impact

This collaboration exemplifies VCUarts Qatar’s deep commitment to strategic engagement and inclusive education. As Rasha Alkasab, Program Manager of CCE, explained:

“Our mission at CCE is to ensure that the community understands the benefits of art and design across all fields, including education, healthcare, and technology. This partnership aligns perfectly with our vision of integrating art and design into everyday life, demonstrating its impact beyond traditional spaces.”

The initiative also reflects the essential role of internal collaboration at VCUarts Qatar. With support from Margarita Zuniga, Community Relations Coordinator, whose efforts as a goodwill ambassador helped connect the right people and create new opportunities, the program came to life.

“For over 15 years, VCUarts Qatar has actively engaged with institutions dedicated to supporting students with diverse abilities,” Margarita noted. “Our partnership with Renad Academy reinforces our commitment to inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that art and design are available to everyone.”

Looking Ahead

The success of the Creative Minds program lays a strong foundation for future collaborations. As part of VCUarts Qatar’s broader strategic engagement efforts, we aim to continue developing initiatives that foster creativity, inclusion, and community impact.

We are proud of the students’ achievements, grateful for the trust placed in us by Renad Academy, and excited about the future possibilities that lie ahead.

Because creativity belongs to everyone.