The UAE public has shortlisted four works of art featuring collaborative paintings by local artists and workers as part of the [sameness] projects Restart The Art initiative.

The four final worker and artist partnerships are; Rafaqat Ali and Desi Dare; Navdeep Singh & Emirati fine artist Amani Al Shaali; Rajan N.A. and art director Dina Sami; and Dhan Raj and UAE-based architect Khalda El Jack. Restart The Art, launched by the [sameness] project in December, partnered workers from Al Futtaim Carillion and Khansaheb with 43 artists and art students to create collaborative art pieces, highlighting each persons dream, pain, and joy.

The final works of art, which will be transferred onto two workers buses to create moving works of art, will go on display at Dubais thejamjar April 1618th. The special exhibition will unite the workers and artists to debut their original and final pieces, bringing the artwork, stories, and the new friendships offline, and back into the real world.

Each piece of work is the culmination of two months of hard work by these two seemingly diverse groups of Dubai residents, coming together to showcase their sameness. Beyond just voting, the online engagement was a chance to get to know the humans involved, read their stories, and view each artwork. Whilst in the process, offer a show of support and appreciation for the submissions.

Restart The Art was made possible through the support of a group of corporate and community players including 7Up, PepsiCo, Al Futtaim Carillion, Khansaheb, Gulf Photo Plus, A4 Space - Al Serkal Avenue, American University of Dubai, The Domino & Zeearts, who share similar social values to those of the [sameness] project initiative.

7up believes that everyone is naturally unique and original and has the ability to bring out their creative spirit to keep the world fresh and diverse, said Carla Hassan, Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Middle East & Africa. That belief makes 7up the perfect accompaniment to this fresh, distinctive initiative that celebrates the shared human experience among us all, and we couldnt be prouder to partner with The Sameness Project to bring it to life.

The public can keep up to date through the [sameness] project social media pages. Among the group of key supporters, 7Up Arabia is also sharing brand new videos, project news and stories via their Facebook page. www.restarttheart.com and facebook.com/thesamenessproject