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The iconic Four Seasons DC hotel collaborated with the social-benefit organisation Zenaviv to provide an avenue for children with autism to express their talent, while enriching their future.

In a proactive effort to continue to give back to the local community, Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC commissioned a 345 square foot (32 square meter) mural inspired by the Hotel’s local Historic Georgetown neighborhood. The artwork that beautified the behind the scenes employee area was completed by Zenaviv, a social enterprise that inspires hope and creates brighter futures for children with autism or special needs by celebrating their unique abilities, promoting their talents and improving their quality of life. The organization’s mission, touching personal backstory and tie to the local community made it the perfect fit to create this special piece.

“We are excited to partner with Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC to provide an avenue for these individuals with autism to express their unique abilities,” says Harish Bikmal, co-founder, Zenaviv. “This opportunity and recognition of the special talent of special needs children brings more exposure, and could help address one of the biggest concerns for most parents of individuals with autism – the future of their kids. Such efforts by Four Seasons gives the parents hope and confidence of a better future for their kids.”

Zenaviv was founded in 2016 in honor of Himal Bikmal, a 16-year-old boy with low functioning autism, but also with outstanding artistic talent that allows him to express himself. His father Harish Bikmal and 18-year-old brother Saket Bikmal founded the organisation. Their mission is to transform the perception of people with autism from one of deficiency to one of talent and productive abilities.

“Zenaviv’s goal is to improve the lives of talented individuals like my brother,” says Saket. “In doing so, we plan to partner with community conscious businesses like Four Seasons to mutually bolster their social innovation efforts and image, while providing Himal and others like him with viable income streams.”

While it was the first time that Four Seasons Hotel Washington commissioned a piece of artwork of this size for the employee area, as well as the first time that Zenaviv added a wall painting to their portfolio, the planning and execution took less than two months. Himal Bikmal and Lee Jaworek, along with their art therapists Heather Hewitz and Caitlin Mason and volunteer Scott Daniel Day, painted a total of 21 iconic Georgetown buildings.