At the intersection of art and social responsibility, Art With A Heart will unite a community of artists from September 20–22 in support of a cause that puts creativity at the heart of childhood. Presented by Bibliothek Art Gallery, founded and owned by Noha Barakat, in support of the community-based organization Alwan wa Awtar, the fundraising exhibition brings together works by different artists.
Founded in 2005 by Azza Kamel, Alwan wa Awtar provides children with a safe space where they can explore art, handicrafts, build self-worth through psychosocial support, and discover their potential. Through its after-school programmes, children are introduced to art, literature, languages, and technology, while the organisation has also expanded its work to include handicraft programmes for mothers.
For Noha Roushdy, who was part of the team that curated the exhibition, the idea of Art With A Heart begins with a simple but meaningful question: what does it mean for an artist to create with a heart?
“It really means creating with empathy and purpose,” she explains. “It goes beyond the artwork itself, its aesthetic, or the medium used. It is about being an artist who has a heart and uses their talent to support others, build connections, and be part of the community.”
The participating artists have generously donated their works, turning the gallery into a space where creative expression directly supports an organisation working with children and families.
In this sense, Art With A Heart is more than a fundraising exhibition. It becomes a meeting point between artistic practice and social impact, proving that art can exist beyond the gallery walls and participate in the life of a community.
Curating the exhibition has also shifted Roushdy’s own understanding of what art can accomplish.
“It really has,” she says when asked whether the experience changed the way she looks at art. “It has shifted my view of art from something purely visual to an active tool for social change.”
The donated works, she explains, serve as a reminder that art is not only about technique or aesthetics. “It can also be a direct way to create real-world opportunities for young people and support their development and social change.”
At the centre of that belief are the children themselves. Alwan wa Awtar’s work recognises creativity not simply as an extracurricular activity, but as a means of giving young people the confidence and freedom to express themselves.
“I’ve seen firsthand how art can transform these children, building their self-worth and helping them grow into confident adults who give back to their communities,” says Roushdy. “When you empower one child, that change ripples out to their family and everyone around them.”
It is this ripple effect that Roushdy hopes visitors will take away from the exhibition. “I hope they leave feeling full of hope and deeply connected to Alwan wa Awtar’s mission,” she says. “I want visitors to feel that they are directly contributing to and fueling that positive change.”
For Roushdy, Art With A Heart sits “right at the core of Bibliothek’s identity as a cultural space that values creativity, community, and social responsibility.”
She believes the connection between art, empathy, and community is fundamental. Through Alwan wa Awtar’s work, she sees that relationship translated into something tangible: children gaining confidence, developing their voices, and discovering possibilities for their futures.
“This exhibition is a true example of how they feed into one another. Art sparks empathy, and empathy strengthens community.”
And that is ultimately what Art With A Heart brings into focus: the possibility that a work of art can do more than occupy a wall. It can open a door, create a sense of belonging, nurture confidence, and contribute to a wider culture of care.
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