HRH Premier expresses pride in Bahraini artists

Manama, Jan. 20 (BNA): Art's creative values and civilisational implications convey a sublime message that reflects nations' rich history and development in improving the public taste and shaping peoples' awareness and feelings, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said. "The Kingdom of Bahrain is proud of its outstanding elite of fine artists who have managed, through their creativity, to project its civilisational image as the land of art and creativity," he added. HRH the Prime Minister stressed that over the years, the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition has become a well-recognised specialised regional and international event, adding that the increasing number of participating artists indicates the expo's prestigious reputation, in terms of preparation and organisation. HRH Premier made the statement as he opened at the Bahrain National Museum today the 42nd edition of the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition, in the presence of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) President Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, several ministers, MPs and senior state officials, diplomats, Press and media personnel, businessmen, intellectuals, and members of the Bahrain fine art community. The Premier opened the expo, toured its pavilions and was informed about the 87 paintings and artistic works. He lauded and admired the Bahraini artists' masterpieces, experiences and creative techniques, and asserted that this year's edition maintained its glamour and showcased the creativity of Bahraini artists. He affirmed that the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition has become an annual platform where fine artists and fine art lovers meet, noting that it reflects the Bahraini society's artistic taste and keenness on using art to promote Bahrain's cultural and artistic identity. He affirmed the government's support to the cultural and artistic activities, and care for the gifted artists are in line with its belief in the importance of culture and arts in expressing the advancement of societies and refining the public taste. Investing in culture and art is among the important tools used by countries vying for more development and progress, given its crucial role in building competencies and motivating them to work, HRH Premier said. The Prime Minister called on artists and intellectuals to use their creativity as a means to foster rapprochement among peoples, promote the culture of peace and co-existence and reject extremist ideology and practices that pose a real threat to the present and future of the entire humanity. HRH Premier wrote a statement in the Expo's record book in which he said that Bahrain's long history stands witness of the Bahraini citizens' attachment to art as a universal means of communication, stressing that the visions and ideas expressed by Bahraini artists are capable of ensuring a better future for the kingdom. 42 years into its establishment, the annual Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition has become a milestone in the Bahraini artistic march, noting that the continuity of the event affirms the Bahraini society's belief in beauty, and ability to use its cultural tools and creative potentials to shape its identity and contribute to the kingdom's development and progress. HRH Premier affirmed that every edition of the Bahrain Fine Arts Expo deepens Bahrain's rich artistic and cultural experience, highlighting the kingdom's desire to reach the world with a diverse heritage and artistic record. HRH the Prime Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) President Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, and all BACA affiliates for their tireless efforts to prepare for and organise the 4end edition of the expo, wishing them every success in serving the nation. "All thanks and appreciation to you for your efforts that consolidate the kingdom's status as a cultural hub that uses plastic art as a means to enhance its civilisational development and progress," he said. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa extended sincere thanks and gratitude to HRH Premier for his patronage of the Expo ever since it was first launched in 1972, noting that the Premier's kind gesture provided support to artists and reflects the kingdom's pride in their artistic works and creativity. She said that with the celebration of this year under the slogan " Your Destination Bahrain", the 42nd Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition would provide a new opportunity to showcase Bahrain's rich cultural experience and outstanding artistic creativity, and promote fine art to be among the destinations in which the kingdom is investing to bring about a sustainable development that upgrades the cultural infrastructure and makes culture as a human means of communication and a discourse that reaches all. Honorary President of the Bahrain Arts Society Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for his annual patronage of the Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition. He stressed that HRH Premier's patronage and support had encouraged Bahraini artists and enabled them to reach the world. The increasing number of artists in event is the fruitful result of the support of HRH Premier, noting that the Prime Minister laid the foundation bases for such a vital gathering of artists who had enriched the artistic life with their masterpieces. The winners of this year's edition were announced. Mariam Al-Arab and Hussain Al-Musawi clinched the "Al-Dana" prize, which is valued at BD 6,000. Fine artist Hadeer Al-Baqali, who won the second prize, will have the opportunity to showcase her work during a one-month expo held by BACA. Meanwhile, the third winner, Samar Al-Eskafi, will showcase her art work at the Fayoum Art Centre in Egypt for two weeks.