R.I.S.E., Dorsett Grand Subang partner to create opportunities for neurodiverse talents

KUALA LUMPUR: Pertubuhan Rentak, Irama, Seni dan Ekspresi (R.I.S.E.) has partnered with Dorsett Grand Subang to provide greater opportunities for autistic and other neurodiverse individuals to showcase their talents, develop creative skills and generate income through arts and performances.

The collaboration will see the introduction of ArtRISE @ Dorsett, a year-long art showcase and sales programme featuring original works by neurodiverse artists at the hotel.

The initiative will allow artists to display and sell their work, with artworks regularly replenished as pieces are sold, providing a continuous platform to reach hotel guests and the wider public.

R.I.S.E. president Datin Hasnah Abdul Rahman said the partnership aimed to move beyond raising awareness about neurodiversity by creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to participate in society and be recognised for their abilities.

“We want to move beyond simply talking about inclusion. We want to create opportunities where neurodiverse individuals can actually participate, contribute, earn and be recognised for what they can do.

“Art and creativity give us a powerful starting point because talent does not need a label. It needs an opportunity to be seen, nurtured and given a platform,” she said.

The collaboration will also extend to live performances through ArtRISE @ Dorsett Live!, featuring talents from R.I.S.E. and its Unveiling Uniqueness programme.

R.I.S.E. deputy president Edwin Nathaniel said providing performance platforms was crucial to helping neurodiverse individuals build confidence, discover their potential and gain wider recognition.

“When we give neurodiverse talents a stage, we are not simply giving them a chance to perform. We are giving them a chance to discover what they are capable of, build confidence and be recognised by society,” he said.

He said the partnership would help ensure opportunities continued beyond individual performances, allowing talents to further develop their skills and explore other avenues.

Dorsett Hospitality International Malaysia vice-chairman Datin Jasmine Abdullah Heng said the hospitality industry could play an important role in creating inclusive spaces and supporting surrounding communities.

She said ArtRISE @ Dorsett would give neurodiverse artists an opportunity to connect with people and have their creativity appreciated.

Meanwhile, Dorsett Grand Subang general manager Nigel Boey said the hotel was pleased to support an initiative that brought creativity and inclusion into the hospitality sector.

The partnership will also introduce R.I.S.E. Champions 1.0, an initiative recognising neurodiverse individuals for their talent, courage, creativity and personal achievements.

Hasnah said the initiative was not intended as a conventional competition but as a celebration of individual journeys, with new champions expected to be appointed every quarter.

“Every individual has a different journey. Our champions are not being celebrated because they are perfect, but because they have shown courage, talent, determination and the willingness to keep rising,” she said.

R.I.S.E. said the collaboration was part of its wider effort to build a sustainable ecosystem connecting talent development with community participation, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship and income generation.

ArtRISE @ Dorsett will be officially launched at Dorsett Grand Subang, with further details to be announced.