Now in its third year, Vuse’s Driven by Change initiative remains a space dedicated to providing exclusive opportunities for emerging creatives. Earlier this year, the initiative introduced its very first artist-in-residence, Nujood Al-Otaibi, who was awarded a fully-funded studio space at Studio Thirteen, located in Dubai.

As the first artist involved in the initiative, there was no one better than Rabab Tantawy to guide Al-Otaibi through her residency. Tantawy launched her iconic McLaren Formula 1 Team car livery for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a transformative moment that ignited the Driven by Change movement. With Rabab’s mentorship, Nujood has honed her skills and refined her craft, ensuring a brighter artistic future for herself. For Nujood, this inaugural studio residency has been a sanctuary where her artistic talents and imagination are consistently encouraged.

Below, Tantawy discusses her experience with the initiative, mentoring Nujood Al-Otaibi and the key advice she shared with her.

Since your involvement with Driven by Change, how has your career progressed?

Rabab Tantawy: I believe that the ultimate goal of any artist is to express themselves through what they create, and for that creation to be seen and witnessed by an audience.

The Driven By Change opportunity has definitely given my work a global reach at a level that I had not experienced before. The sheer number of people who have seen my work is incredible – I was told that race day content alone had 108 million views.  What kind of exhibition would give you that sort of audience?

Can you pinpoint a moment in your journey that has been particularly memorable? 

Rabab Tantawy: Obviously the first time I saw my artwork on the actual car and seeing my signature on it. And then seeing it racing on the track – it was an indescribable feeling. I’d have to say having the McLaren fans’ positive reaction to the livery was the icing on the cake.

Has your artistic style undergone any changes due to your affiliation with Driven by Change?

Rabab Tantawy: My artistic style keeps evolving from the first time I painted my Nubian figures in 2010 until now. The way they look has undergone a transformation and they evolved as I have evolved myself as a human being. I hope that they keep changing.

What are your hopes for your career moving forward?

Rabab Tantawy: My aspirations are always to have a positive impact in my artist community, whether by passing on knowledge and experience or by inspiring other artists with the work I was able to do and the milestones I have managed to achieve.

How has the Driven By Change platform supported you in that?

Rabab Tantawy: Our Driven By Change Studio program has helped do that, by offering an artist residency at Studio Thirteen for an up-and-coming artist like Nujood to have space to explore her artistry and learn from the community.

Hosting the Driven By Change Masterclasses this year at Studio Thirteen and bringing the expertise and knowledge of creatives from across the motorsport industry to our local community – bringing the best in the business to talk to them and pass on their experience and advice. We were able to bring the community together and give them an experience that they would have not had if it wasn’t for the platform.

Could you share some key insights you’ve shared with Nujood to do with her participation in Driven by Change, and the changes in her life she should expect? 

Rabab Tantawy: I was the first artist to take part in this initiative – I didn’t have a predecessor to provide guidance on how to make the most of it. With the experience I’ve gained, as well as supporting Anna Tangles last year, I believe I was able to tell Nujood about my personal experience with Driven by Change . She’s a young artist with great potential!

To keep up to date with Nujood Al-Otaibi’s residency and learn more about the Driven by Change programme, visit Vuse on social media and follow Nujood and Rabab on Instagram.