In a step towards enhancing creativity and passion among the younger generations, Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, in collaboration with “Heart of Sharjah” – the historical, heritage, and tourist destination under the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) – has announced the launch of the Puppet Arts Center at “Jithoor Center”, the cultural hub nestled in Heart of Sharjah, coinciding with the Emirati Theatre Day, as announced by The Theatrical Association in the United Arab Emirates.
The Puppet Arts Center is an initiative by Rubu’ Qarn for Theatre and Performing Arts, which is a newly added addition to Sharjah’s cultural initiatives and contributions. It will offer interactive workshops and artistic performances aimed at age groups from 6 to 31 years, teaching puppetry arts, while fostering performing art skills, and encouraging creative expression through educational tools that combine entertainment with learning.
It aims to help and support children and youth to develop expressive skills, and enhance their creative thinking skills by transforming ideas into characters and visual stories inspired by their imagination, and boost their confidence through public performances, thereby developing their communication skills and ability to handle different situations.
This collaboration between Rubu’ Qarn and “Heart of Sharjah” aims to enhance the cultural heritage of the region, while adding to Sharjah’s status as a center for cultural and artistic innovation. The launch of the Puppet Arts Center provides an interactive educational environment that integrates arts, heritage, and culture at Jithoor Center.
Khaled Al Nakhi, Director of the Sharjah Capability Development, which is affiliated with Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, expressed pride in the opening of the Puppet Arts Center, stating, “The Puppet Arts Center opening represents a significant step towards promoting creative arts and theatre, and we believe this center will become an inspirational platform that combines education and entertainment, contributing to the development of skills among children and youth in our community.” Dr. Adnan Salloum, Performing Arts Expert, also expressed joy at the opening coinciding with the special occasion of Emirati Theatre Day, emphasizing the center’s aim to stimulate imagination through various skills that shape participants’ personalities, where they will write stories, design characters, craft them by hand, and animate them to convey their ideas and emotions to audiences locally and globally, interacting with visitors to Heart of Sharjah and tourists from various countries in a world of imagination loved by all.
Saif Al Taniji, General Manager of “Heart of Sharjah,” commented on the launch of the Puppet Arts Center, saying, “Jithoor Center is a significant and important addition to Heart of Sharjah, and we are delighted to collaborate with Rubu’ Qarn for Creating Future Leaders and Innovators, to launch this center, highlighting the importance of puppetry arts and Sharjah’s role in supporting various forms of arts, particularly theatre and performance arts for children and youth in this artistic field, to enhance their skills. Theatre is one of the most important means of delivering meaningful messages to society, and we invite everyone to attend and participate in the upcoming programs and workshops at Jithoor Center, which will serve as a cultural platform and hub for all.”
Fatima Al Shuweihi, Director of Jithoor Center, added, “At Heart of Sharjah, we always celebrate and tell the story of our culture, history, heritage and traditions to all of our visitors from all around the world. Today, we are honored to host the unique addition of the Puppet Arts Center at “Jithoor”, and we are delighted to have this fruitful collaboration with Rubu’ Qarn. Through Jithoor Center, we aim to attract everyone – organizations and passionate individuals – to present their programs under its roof. We provide them with necessary support through diverse cultural activities designed for all age groups. “Jithoor” Cultural Hub is a Heart of Sharjah Community Platform that offers a space for creativity by providing supporting services which aims to encourage creative talents and skills, along with promoting local culture and heritage.
The Puppet Arts Center represents a valuable addition to Sharjah’s cultural scene, paving the way for a new generation of leaders and innovators through presenting traditional arts in innovative ways. Rubu’ Qarn encourages all parents to support their children’s participation in this center to benefit from its numerous advantages in development, skills, and capabilities, thereby reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a capital of culture and arts.