Disabled artists in Dubai say golden visa will make them dream bigger

Victor Sitali, Sharan Budhrani and art teacher Gulshan Kavarana awarded 10-year residency visa for contribution to art

Victor Sitali, an artist from Zambia, works on a painting. Photo: Victor Sitali

Artist Victor Sitali, who enjoys painting portraits, has been awarded a golden visa. Photo: Victor Sitali

A painting by Sharan Budhrani, an Indian artist with muscular dystrophy, which weakens his muscles and limits movement, was also granted a golden visa. Photo: Sharan Budhrani

Artist Sharan Budhrani creates art using a remote control car. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Artist Sharan Budhrani creates art using remote control cars that help him create despite the muscular dystrophy that limits his movements. Chris Whiteoak / The National

'Mustang', a painting by Sharan Budhrani. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Art teacher Gulshan Kavarana works with artists with special needs and has received the golden visa. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Art teacher Gulshan Kavarana and artist Sharan Budhrani were awarded golden visas for their contribution to the creative field in the country. Photo: Gulshan Kavarana

Artist Victor Sitali poses with his artworks. Photo: Victor Sitali

'The Young Woman', a painting by Victor Sitali. Photo: Art Couture

An untitled image from Victor Sitali's exhibition, Afro. Photo: Victor Sitali

Two artists with disabilities in Dubai have been awarded a golden visa that they say opens the door to greater independence.

Zambian painter Victor Sitali, Indian artist Sharan Budhrani and their art teacher Gulshan Kavarana received the 10-year residency for their cultural contribution.

The artistic community said the UAE visa was a tribute to their talent and spirit.

I now have independence. I can think only of working hard.”

Victor Sitali,
Zambian artist

“It gives me the opportunity to expand my ideas for my art. I can work harder and dream bigger,” Mr Sitali communicated in sign language.

“I am very happy. I now have independence. I can think only of working hard.”

Mr Sitali lost his hearing at the age of three and was introduced to art as a teenager by Ms Kavarana.

His distinctive oil and acrylic work on canvas earned him studio space in Tashkeel, an art gallery, in Dubai.

Victor Sitali, an artist from Zambia, works on a painting. Photo: Victor Sitali

The 31-year-old holds domestic and overseas exhibitions, as well as workshops for students, adults and children with disabilities.

The Sitali family has lived in the UAE for more than a decade. His mother Dorothy said the family was proud of his latest achievement.

“This has brought us unbelievable joy,” she said. “We thought this visa was for senior executives. It came as a total surprise, a good surprise.”

Ms Kavarana, 57, met the family when she worked as a volunteer with the Dubai Centre for Special Needs.

“I worked with Victor when he was only 16 and he didn’t know anything about painting. I soon realised how talented he was,” she said.

Ms Kavarana said it was “wonderful” to be recognised.

“I dedicated my life to working with people of determination, doing art with them and taking them to the next level. I thank the UAE government for giving us this opportunity.”

Mr Sitali and Mr Budhrani were part of a vibrant artist community at Mawaheb, a studio in Dubai that nurtured the creative skills of young adults with disabilities.

Mr Budhrani has muscular dystrophy that weakens his muscles and limits his mobility. Seated in a wheelchair, he uses remote-controlled cars, spoons and sticks to paint on large canvasses.

“This is very exciting news,” said the 30-year-old, who was born in the Emirates and has always known the country as home.

“I feel there is hope ahead in the future for me. I can still go on my creative journey to inspire and motivate more people with art.

Sharan Budhrani creates art using a remote-controlled car. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Currently recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia, he requires a tracheostomy tube and a ventilator to breathe at night.

He has not stopped painting despite the discomfort of being fitted with the tube to open up his air passage.

“I feel I must always keep going and never give up,” he said.

Ms Kavarana said the golden visa acknowledged the resilience of the artists.

“Sharan has a never-give-up attitude. He is on the ventilator but there is nothing stopping him from his passion of art,” she said.

Nasser Juma bin Sulaiman, manager of the Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, nominated Mr Budhrani and Ms Kavarana to the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

“These are very special cases. Dubai Culture gave these artists an opportunity so they can make their own business here and also make Dubai their home,” he said.

Lisa Ball-Lechgar, Tashkeel's deputy director, nominated Mr Sitali and described his contribution as vital to the community.

She said he recently ventured into abstract art demonstrating his appetite for experimentation.

“He works with passion and energy as a full-time creative professional in Dubai and deserves to be acknowledged for his unwavering commitment and dedication,” she said.

The golden visa was launched in May 2019, to give exceptional workers and foreign investors the opportunity to establish deeper roots in the country.

The 10-year residency scheme was expanded to attract people in the fields of health, engineering science and art.

Art studio Mawaheb’s final exhibition - in pictures

Mawaheb, an art studio for the disabled, hosted its final exhibition in December 2020 at Fann A Porter, The Workshop in Jumeirah, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Artworks by Namrata Pagarani at the final exhibition. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The art studio has closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Chris Whiteoak / The National

'Mother Earth' by Mariam Ismail. Chris Whiteoak / The National

All the pieces at the final exhibition will be for sale, with proceeds going to the artists. Chris Whiteoak / The National

'Mustang' by Sharan Anil, for Mawaheb's last exhibition. Chris Whiteoak / The National

'Tulip' collection by Anjali Kakkar, for Mawaheb. Chris Whiteoak / The National

'Twinning' by Anjana Krishna, for Mawaheb. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Artist Anjana Krishna at the exhibition. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Wemmy de Maaker, founder of Mawaheb. Chris Whiteoak / The National