To mark World Art Day, Dubai-based educator Kay Bathke shares how art helps children thrive—socially, emotionally, and academically
When children pick up a pencil or paintbrush, they’re doing far more than making marks on a page, says artist and educator Kay Bathke.
They’re building confidence, developing problem-solving skills, and learning to understand themselves and the world around them.
As the founder of Camden Creative Arts, a Dubai-based initiative offering skills-based art workshops for children and adults, Kay brings over two decades of experience in education and the creative industries across the UK and UAE.
Her programmes blend practical techniques with experimentation, mindfulness, and art history—all within a space designed to help children find their creative voice.
Creativity that connects and empowers
View this post on Instagram
“There’s huge value in children exploring art, both at home and in school,” says Kay.
“When they’re free to express themselves creatively, it boosts their confidence and wellbeing. There’s no right or wrong—just their unique way of seeing the world.”
Kay launched Camden Creative Arts three years ago after recognising a gap in the market.
“Art has always been my passion,” she says. “I taught for years before starting the company, and when we moved to Dubai, parents kept asking me for recommendations. I saw a real need for meaningful, skills-based art education, so I created it.”
Today, she runs art ECAs in schools, weekend workshops, and community events across Dubai. She’s seen first-hand how creativity can unlock potential.
“One child I worked with was struggling in school—but through art, she absolutely shone. Her creativity was bold and original, and it blew us all away. That’s the magic of giving children the freedom to explore and express in their own way.”
Beyond the canvas: emotional intelligence and resilience
The benefits of creativity go far beyond the art room. Research shows that engaging in the arts supports empathy, cultural awareness, resilience, and emotional literacy.
“Art encourages children to look at things from different perspectives and to connect what they’ve learned in new ways,” Kay explains. “It builds understanding and compassion.”
Art also offers an important outlet for mindfulness and self-expression.
“It gives children space to process emotions and explore their identity. They reflect, problem-solve, and make decisions about their work—vital skills that help in every area of life.”
Camden Creative Arts focuses on nurturing creativity through sketchbooks, experimentation, and process-based learning.
“I believe creativity is something we all have,” Kay says. “With the right support, it can be nurtured. We teach skills and techniques to empower children. One of my favourite quotes is from Picasso: ‘Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.’”
You might like: The Yalla 100 StandOut UAE Schools Guide
Rethinking what it means to be ‘good at art’
What if a child says, “I’m not good at art”? It’s something Kay hears often—and something she’s passionate about reframing.
“Children often think being good at art means copying something perfectly. But we celebrate originality, not replication. There is no right or wrong in art. Once they feel free to experiment, their confidence grows, and their skills follow.”
It’s a message that resonates with adults, too. “Younger children are often bolder and more experimental,” she says. “As we age, we become more self-conscious and fear being judged. Children proudly stand by their work—we could all learn from that!”
Championing creativity in a STEM world
While STEM subjects often dominate the educational spotlight, Kay believes creativity is just as critical to a child’s development.
“The arts are central to how we experience the world,” she says. “Innovation in STEM depends on the kind of experimentation, exploration and creative thinking developed through art. These are transferable skills that enrich learning across every subject.”
At home, she encourages parents to keep things simple.“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” she says. “Whether it’s a sketchbook habit or a small art corner, what matters is creating space for ideas to grow. With the right encouragement, every child can discover the joy of expression—and the confidence that comes with it.”
For more information, visit Camden Creative Arts
Follow Yalla for more education news
