As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deutsche Bank through its Middle East Foundation will be supporting the Intellectual Education Institute for Girls in East Riyadh by hosting an art exhibition and purchasing a communication device for the Institute.

The Intellectual Education Institute for Girls in East Riyadh was founded in 1971, and caters to students between the ages of 6 and 21 with physical and mental challenges such as autism, Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy. The Institute provides specialized education and physical and mental health services, and helps individuals overcome behavioral disorders and communication difficulties, as well as giving them the tools they need to become more self-reliant and gain confidence.

The art exhibition titled "Hidden Voices: Art through the Eyes of Challenged Youth" will be presenting paintings created by students of the Institute. The paintings are influenced by the artists Picasso, van Gogh, Kandinsky and Klimt, and will be available for purchase through a silent auction, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Institute.

In addition, Deutsche Bank's Middle East Foundation will be funding the purchase of a Tobii C12 device for the Institute. This life-changing device enables individuals who are unable to speak or have difficulties speaking, such as those suffering from cerebral palsy, to communicate digitally by touch or eye control. 

Dina Fatani, an art teacher at the Institute, said: "The inspiration behind the exhibition was to introduce the students to renowned artists who have painted memorable, bold pieces of work, and allow them to display their remarkable artistic abilities by re-creating these pieces in their own style. This exhibition also gives a voice to members of our society who are all too often hidden in the shadows. We are grateful for the generous support of Deutsche Bank's Middle East Foundation for making this exhibition possible and enabling the Institute to use the Tobii C12 device to improve the lives of these girls."

Commenting on the partnership, Philippe Vollot, Chairman of Deutsche Bank's Middle East Foundation, said: "We are delighted and proud to be able to offer these special girls at the Institute the chance to present themselves to the world through the exhibition of their artwork. Through our Middle East Foundation we continue to bring our unparalleled global commitment to the communities where we live and operate in." 

Jamal Alkishi, Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Securities Saudi Arabia, added: "Everyone should have the chance to be creative and to present their creativity. By supporting the art exhibition of the Intellectual Education Institute for Girls in East Riyadh, we hope to foster the acknowledgment of these girls by the community. We hope that the exhibition will encourage them to further develop their creative skills."

The exhibition will be on display from Saturday 10th November 2012 until Friday 23rd November 2012 in the lobby of Al Faisaliah Tower in Riyadh. 

Established in 2008, Deutsche Bank's Middle East Foundation is one of the Bank's many foundations around the globe across Asia, Africa and the Americas. In addition, Deutsche Bank has active Corporate Social Responsibility programs across Europe and the UK. Deutsche Bank's Middle East Foundation focuses on funding investments in arts, education, community development, sustainability, and volunteering in the Middle East North Africa region.