HRH Princess Sabeeka to patronise ArtBahrain second edition

Bahrain, Jan. 26 (BNA): Under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), the second edition of ArtBahrain will be held in October, 2016. The event will attract artists from all over the world, which will further promote Bahrain’s leading status as a hub for art and culture. This was announced during the press conference attended by the Director-General of HRH Princess Sabeeka’s Office Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, in the presence of the founders and organisers of the first edition of ArtBahrain and the Coordinator of the Tourism Programmes at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism Saud Faisal Al-Hamar. Speaking during the press conference, ArtBahrain Co-founder Kaneka Subberwal extended, on behalf of the event organisers, sincere thanks and appreciation to HRH Princess Sabeeka, affirming that her support to the second edition of ArtBahrain proves the success of the first edition. HRH Princess Sabeeka’s patronage of the event reflects her constant support to art, Bahraini artists and the participants from Bahrain and abroad, she said. In a statement to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) Shaikha Maram highlighted the initiatives of HRH Princess Sabeeka aiming to advance Bahraini women in all fields. She asserted the SCW President’s patronage of second edition of ArtBAhrain will promote it as another platform for creativity, art and artists, and boost the art movement in Bahrain. Having witnessed remarkable success in its inaugural 2015 version, the international art fair plans to showcase even more creative talent, and has already secured the support of regional and international artists and galleries as well as key sponsors. The 2015 edition of ArtBahrain hosted nearly 50 participants from 17 countries across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Far East and Asia and witnessed a footfall of nearly 15,000 visitors with total sales topping BD170,000. The event featured the works of acclaimed artists and galleries, and introduced the public to diverse art aptitudes from classic acrylic to sculpture, digital photography and new age installation. "Our aim is to increase participation by 10-15% this year and reach out to artists, art institutions, countries and regions that were not represented previously", commented ArtBahrain Co-founder Kaneka Subberwal. "Based on the positive response we have received so far, we are confident we can achieve this target and build on last year’s success. Bahrain has a refined level of appreciation and talent for art which makes it an attractive location for an international fair of this nature. Events like ArtBahrain are a celebration of the country’s creative spirits and provide the regional and global art communities with a stimulant for the exchange of ideas, and a venue to converge, share space and inspiration." ArtBahrain is a culmination of artists, galleries, collectors and art lovers from around the world and serves as a strong platform to showcase the very best talent in the global arts arena. This prominent exhibition provides an ideal setting for the local, regional and global art communities to engage, synergize and stimulate creativity, promoting Bahrain’s emerging talent and the region’s artistic vivacity as a whole. "Bahrain is fast emerging as a major player in the arts and boasts tremendous talent; the country’s flourishing art scene holds great potential to drive investment and encourage the next generation of artists", further explained Ms. Subberwal who is also the Founder and Managing Director of Art Select, an art advisory that is curating the fair. This year’s ArtBahrain will form part of the calendar of events planned by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority to commemorate the country’s standing as Manama Gulf Capital of Tourism 2016. Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Souad Al Hamer, Programme Coordinator at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority stated, "We are pleased that ArtBahrain has joined our calendar of activities. This exhibition will add another dimension to the events planned this year further positioning the Kingdom as a leading hub for arts and culture."