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 52nd edition of the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition at the Bahrain National Museum. HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman highlighted the significance of art in reflecting identity and celebrating cultural diversity, crediting the growth of Bahrain's art sector to the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
According to Bahrain News Agency, His Highness underscored the Kingdom's rich history of creativity and the talent of Bahraini artists, whose works are recognized both locally and globally. He extended his best wishes to the participants, acknowledging their contribution to advancing Bahrain's artistic and cultural movement. During the exhibition tour, HH Shaikh Mohammed viewed works from approximately 74 visual artists, showcasing various schools, styles, and mediums, including multimedia drawings, video installations, photography, and sculpture.
HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), affirmed the Kingdom's commitment to supporting cultural and artistic initiatives under the leadership of His Majesty the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. HE Shaikh Khalifa emphasized the role of these initiatives in bolstering Bahrain's regional and international reputation as a center for creativity and innovation. 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.
HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed highlighted the exhibition as a vital platform showcasing Bahrain's vibrant arts scene and cultural evolution over five decades. During the opening ceremony, awards were presented, with Abdul Jabbar Al-Ghadhban receiving the Al-Dana Award, Khalid Waleed Al-Abbas winning the Al Riwaq Art Space's "Nexus Program" award, and Hussain Ali Isa receiving the RAK Art Foundation Award. A special tribute was given to Camille Zakaria for his contributions to documenting Gulf architecture.
Winners of solo exhibition opportunities were also announced, with Dr. Mayasa Al Suwaidi, Ahmed Al Asad, and Shaikha Rasha bint Salman Al Khalifa being awarded opportunities to host solo exhibitions presented by Folk Art Space, 56 Art Gallery, and AlBareh Art Space, respectively. The Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition remains a distinguished event in BACA's calendar, celebrating Bahrain's artistic and cultural movement since 1972. Several senior officials attended the event.