Manama: On behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa launched the 51st edition of the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition today at the Bahrain National Museum.
According to Bahrain News Agency, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the significant advancements in Bahrain's art sector, attributing this progress to the unwavering support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. His Highness affirmed the importance of art, emphasising its role as a bridge connecting different cultures and civilizations.
His Highness highlighted Bahrain's wealth of creative artistic talents, whose work is prominently showcased in both local and international exhibitions. This strong presence further consolidates the Kingdom's position in the global art scene. Bahraini artists have consistently demonstrated their talent and creativity through various works of art, enriching the Kingdom's artistic and cultural sectors.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman extended his best wishes to the participants and organisers for continued success in future editions, noting the exhibition's role in enriching the Kingdom's cultural movement. His Highness toured the exhibition, viewing a collection of artworks by approximately 70 visual artists representing various schools, styles, and mediums.
The President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), His Excellency Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, emphasised HM the King's commitment to supporting the Kingdom's cultural movements. He expressed gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his patronage and thanked HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman for inaugurating the exhibition.
His Excellency highlighted the exhibition's significance as a platform to showcase Bahrain's vibrant arts scene, conveying unique local expressions to a broader audience. He noted the exhibition's successful inception in 1972, establishing Bahrain as a prominent cultural destination in the region.
During the opening ceremony, awards were presented to the winners of the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition. The judges' panel awarded the Al-Dana Award to Hassan Al Sari and Ali Kareemi. Ebrahim Al Ghanem won the RAK Art Foundation Award, and Zainab Al Saba'a won the Al Riwaq Art Space's "Nexus Program" award. The judges panel included artists Ebrahim Busaad, Jaffar Aloraibi, and Camille Zakharia.
The exhibition will continue until April 27 and will be open to the public during the Bahrain National Museum's working hours, every day except Tuesdays. The event serves as a platform for showcasing the Kingdom's fine and visual arts, drawing participation from local and international artists, art enthusiasts, and critics.