Cambridge: The RAK Art Foundation recently took center stage at a lecture hosted by the Harvard Graduate School of Design (GSD). Yasmin Sharabi, the Director of the foundation, represented Bahrain in a seminar titled *'The Sources of the Tree of Life,'* as part of a project-based course focused on Spatial Design Strategies for Climate- and Conflict-Induced Migration.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the seminar delved into the intersections of climate change, migration, and design, with Sharabi emphasizing Bahrain's rich cultural heritage. She elaborated on the RAK Art Foundation's role in nurturing a new generation of creatives, aiming to shape a contemporary cultural narrative deeply rooted in local identity.
Sharabi outlined several initiatives by the RAK Art Foundation, such as the art station in Muharraq Souq, a planned museum dedicated to Middle Eastern and North African contemporary art, and the foundation's dedication to fostering critical discourse and artistic innovation within the region.
Describing the invitation to Harvard as a personal honour and a reflection of Bahrain's cultural momentum, Sharabi highlighted the Kingdom's ongoing creative transformation. She noted its efforts to connect heritage with a forward-looking, inclusive vision, emphasizing the foundation's focus on supporting emerging talents in art, architecture, and design.
Representing the RAK Art Foundation at Harvard provided Sharabi with a platform to present its initiatives to an international academic audience. She highlighted Bahrain's role as a vibrant center for cultural dialogue and innovation, showcasing the Kingdom's commitment to engaging thoughtfully with its changing social and physical landscape.