IgnitingPASSIONS

CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT MEET FOR CHARITY AND YOUR PHILANTHROPY WORK?

Meet for Charity is a project that holds a special place in my heart. As someone who began my career in public relations and established my own agency at the age of 19 in Russia, I’ve always been drawn to social entrepreneurship and community work. In 2016, I founded Meet for Charity, a fundraising network that connects people and helps charity funds raise money. Since then, Meet for Charity has grown to become one of the largest charity auction houses in the country, and I’m incredibly grateful and proud of the support we’ve received from our partners and communities. To date, we’ve crowdfunded more than USD 3 million for over 120 charities, with the participation of over 800 people. Looking ahead, we’re excited to expand our work to other parts of the world, including supporting charities in the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CO-FOUND AKADEMY IN DUBAI?

As an entrepreneur and founder based in Dubai, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the GCC’s vibrant arts scene, cultural hubs, and exceptional talent frsthand. The UAE is a melting pot of cultures and artistic directions, attracting expatriates from all corners of the world. It’s this unique blend of infuences that perfectly aligns with Akademy’s vision and objectives. Akademy was founded in 2020 by Anastasia Belyak and Kamilia Shaimieva, and since then, it has evolved into a platform for thought leaders to come together and celebrate Middle Eastern heritage. Our goal is to initiate conversations that spark dialogue and promote limitless learning. We unite the fnest academic, creative, business, and thought leaders who seek personal betterment through the power of education. Through a carefully curated program of events and lectures, we aim to raise awareness of the thriving Arabic culture and bring together intellectual minds in the UAE. Our goal is to foster a community of likeminded individuals who share a passion for learning and cultural exchange.

WHO CAN JOIN AKADEMY? WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA TO BECOME A MEMBER?

Akademy is an exclusive intellectual member’s circle that serves as a hub for the world’s fnest individuals in the intellectual, artistic, and cultural spheres. Our mission is to bring together like-minded individuals who share similar values and interests, providing them with a platform to engage, connect, and debate while enjoying convivial social settings. Our private club attracts members who seek to supercharge their minds through education and want to experience insightful talks, lectures, and curated events. To join, members are required to pay a onetime joining fee as well as an annual membership fee. This fee provides access to all of our curated events and experiences, as well as a selection of benefts across select brand partners. At Akademy, we strive to foster a community of intellectually curious individuals who are passionate about learning, cultural exchange, and thought-provoking discussions. Our aim is to create an environment that encourages growth, personal development, and meaningful connections among our members.

CAN YOU DISCUSS SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR OFFERINGS BY AKADEMY AND WHAT SETS IT APART FROM SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS?

Akademy offers a curated programme for members to explore a wide range of topics, from arts and culture to philosophy and wellbeing. In the UAE, our line-up of events is split into semesters, working to champion the power of knowledge and celebrate diverse thinking, profound refection, and appreciation of one another. Our frst event took members to the exclusive preview of the solo exhibition of Hayv Kahraman, an Iraqi contemporary artist, at The Third Line Gallery in the thriving art district, Al Serkal Avenue. We also organized a special evening with the Artistic Director of Art Dubai, Pablo Del Val, at the Collection Gallery in Eden House in Dubai, providing members with a sneak peek into this year’s fair. Del Val gave members an insight into the history of the fair and its role in the region, as well as a frst-look access to the biggest pieces to be expected this year. Further diversifying our programme of events, we took members on a private trip to Bahrain, inviting them to explore the city’s artistic sites and historic attractions. During the familiarization trip, guests were able to experience immersive art and private dinners with esteemed partners and artists. At one of our events, David Aaron, Sean, and Lauren Carpenter took members on a journey through the history of the beloved musical instrument, the violin, giving a talk on the Stradivari violin and its history.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS THAT YOU HAVE FOR AKADEMY IN THE FUTURE, AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE THEM?

I believe that Akademy has a strong future in the region as we continue to expand the private circle into the UAE and the wider GCC. We have several exciting events planned, including expert talks, private tours, and flm screenings. In March 2023, Akademy is taking members to the highly-anticipated Sharjah Biennale 15, where they will have the chance to preview the exclusive fair and its theme, followed by a tour of the souk to explore some of the oldest marketplaces in the country. In April, members will enjoy a private screening of the flm “It Ain’t Where You Are From,” presented by the Executive Artistic Director at NYU Abu Dhabi and Philip Rachid, aka Soultrotter, in addition to a special conversation on the Middle East’s underground music culture. Akademy also promotes local galleries and exhibitions, partnering with Carbon 12 founders, Kourosh Nouri and Nadine Knotzer, to introduce their gallery’s current exhibition and upcoming program of events in a private talk held at the gallery in the thriving Alserkal Avenue art district. Members will also visit the private art collection of Lebanese-born artist and collector, Noura Ali-Al Ramahi, in Abu Dhabi, supporting and showcasing the vibrant local arts scene.

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