Innovarism Celebrates Graduation of First 'Hero's Journey' Cohort for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The initiative program, sponsored by Dr. Amthal Al-Huwailan, Minister of Social Affairs, Labor, and Social Development, witnessed the training of 14 participants over two weeks in story writing, character creation and illustration, culminating in the production of a short film using artificial intelligence technologies. This was conducted under the supervision of local and international experts, with participants’ works to be published on social media platforms and screened in cinemas.

“Innovartism” is a national community initiative with a humanitarian mission, launched in Kuwait on October 25 last year. It includes training programs, local and international conferences, creative spaces, and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering individuals with neurodiversity creatively, professionally, and economically.

Al-Hila’ stated that the initiative represents a model for transitioning from care to empowerment by leveraging arts, technology, and innovation to develop participants’ creative and professional skills and enhance their social integration.

He added that the program enabled participants to express their talents and transform their ideas into artistic and media works, emphasizing the importance of partnerships between the public and private sectors in providing professional opportunities and converting training into productive employment.

For her part, Manal Al-Gharbali, founder of the “Innovartism” initiative, said the program was the result of more than two years of work, experimentation, and development aimed at discovering the talents of individuals with neurodiversity and nurturing their creative and professional capabilities.

Al-Gharbali clarified that the works produced by participants will be used in an awareness campaign designed to convey their ideas and messages to society. She also highlighted collaboration with the initiative’s private-sector partners to provide job opportunities for several graduates.

Al-Jassar noted that the Council is committed to supporting talent and building partnerships that contribute to its development and visibility through cultural and creative initiatives.

On her part, Acting Secretary-General of the Waqf General Assembly, Eng. Janan Al-Zamil, stated that the program combines training, empowerment, and creative production through a partnership between the Waqf General Assembly and MB Vision Studios, in cooperation with the Kuwait Autism Center.

Al-Zamil added that supporting individuals with neurodiversity requires moving beyond awareness and training to providing opportunities for participation in the labor market and transforming their skills into sustainable professional prospects. She affirmed the importance of the Waqf’s role in investing in human capital and developing capabilities.

For her part, initiative production partner Fawaz Fahad Al-Sabah expressed pride in the participants’ skill development and creative abilities, commending the collaboration among government entities, the private sector, participants’ families, experts, and trainers for the program’s success.