Autism society hails success of art initiative

The proceeds of the paintings will be used to serve the autism community and develop its services provided to them in an integrated charitable model. (Supplied)

• The 100 paintings created over the five events will now be auctioned in Riyadh

RIYADH: Paintings created by autistic children and young adults to help their development are being auctioned to help boost services in Saudi Arabia.
The Society of Autism Families held its fifth “Rishat Tayf” art exhibition in Jazan on Monday under the patronage of Prince Mohammed bin Nasser, the regional governor. It followed similar events in Riyadh, Jeddah, Alkhobar and Abha.
Each Rihat Tayf program brought together 20 children and young adults with autism with 20 artists to create paintings that help them express their feelings and thoughts.
The 100 paintings created over the five events will now be auctioned in Riyadh early next month under the patronage of Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The proceeds will help improve services for those with autism.
Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Farhan, the society’s chairman, said he was delighted with the success of Rishat Tayf.
“The idea came from our desire for our autistic children to become more integrated into society, and to enable them to showcase their talents and share their thoughts and feelings through the arts,” he said.
“My happiness today is a reflection of what I see: Positive feelings in the faces of people with autism and their families.”
Rishat Tayf was the latest art and performance initiative run by SAF. The society hosted a play in September, “Hall 4,” with a cast of people with autism.