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Different strokes for different folks

The hard to miss mural is rich in colour, imagery and symbolism, reflecting the creativity, enthusiasm and joyful outlook of the child artists from 50 nations who collaborated on this work of art under the guidance of renowned muralists Professor Mark Cooper, Larry B. Quick, Barbara Smolen and Faizaan Peerzada.

The splash of bright colours and impressive drawings on a world map, reveals how art can transcend boundaries and be appreciated by people all over the world. The large mural that can be viewed at DICC's Hall Number 5, was first exhibited at the White House Millennium Celebrations, then at the United Nations Public Lobby and when the US Olympic Committee conducted a site visit to Washington. Its display here marks the first time that it is being showcased outside since its creation at the International Child Art Fund (ICAF) Annual Festival at Washington DC's National Mall in 1999.

ICAF is the national art and creativity organisation for children in the United States, and also serves as an umbrella organisation promoting children's creativity and co-operation through the arts.

With more than 10,000 people expected to attend the annual meetings, including approximately 3,500 delegates from member countries, journalists and guests from the business community and non-governmental organisations, the display of this mural comes at the right time.

There are other works of art which are a must-see during the annual meetings. One of them is an on-going ICAF's International Children's Art Exhibition featuring 84 paintings depicting children's visions of the future and underscores the host country's commitment to children and the other is the Contemporary Arab Art exhibition representing a panorama of some of the most established artists of the Arab world.

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