HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman launches the 52nd edition of the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition
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 today at the Bahrain National Museum.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman emphasised that art reflects identity and celebrates cultural diversity. His Highness added that the continued growth of Bahrain’s art sector is driven by the steadfast support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
His Highness highlighted the Kingdom’s rich history of creativity and the talent of Bahraini artists, whose work is exhibited across the Kingdom and the world, underscoring the positioning of the Kingdom as a leading regional artistic hub.
HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman extended his best wishes to the participants of the exhibition, commending their vital role in advancing the Kingdom of Bahrain’s artistic and cultural movement.
His Highness toured the exhibition, viewing works by approximately 74 visual artists across a range of schools, styles, and mediums, including multimedia drawings, video installations, photography, and sculpture.
For his part, HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the directives of His Royal Highness, to prioritising support for cultural and artistic initiatives. HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed emphasised their role in strengthening the Kingdom’s regional and international standing as a centre for creativity and innovation.
HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed expressed his gratitude to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his patronage of the exhibition and extended his thanks to HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman for the honour of inaugurating the exhibition on behalf of HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HE Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed highlighted the Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition as a key platform showcasing the Kingdom’s vibrant arts scene and five decades of cultural and creative evolution, where traditional forms meet digital media. His Excellency noted that the exhibition represents the annual culmination of collaboration among emerging, contemporary, and pioneering artists, celebrating artistic excellence, enriching Bahrain’s fine arts movement, and reflecting the Kingdom’s national identity.
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 Abdul Jabbar Al-Ghadhban. The Al Riwaq Art Space’s “Nexus Program” award was won by Khalid Waleed Al-Abbas. Hussain Ali Isa won the RAK Art Foundation Award.
Furthermore, the judges’ panel awarded a special tribute to Camille Zakaria in recognition of his outstanding contributions to documenting architecture in the Gulf. His ongoing artistic commitment has also contributed to supporting and enriching Bahrain’s cultural landscape.
The winners of the solo exhibition opportunities were also announced. Dr Mayasa Al Suwaidi received the opportunity to host a solo exhibition presented by Folk Art Space, Ahmed Al Asad was awarded a solo exhibition presented by 56 Art Gallery, and Shaikha Rasha bint Salman Al Khalifa received the opportunity to host a solo exhibition presented by AlBareh Art Space.
The Bahrain Annual Fine Arts Exhibition is a distinguished annual event within BACA’s calendar of activities, featuring diverse styles of fine and visual arts in the Kingdom since its establishment in 1972, embodying the richness and evolution of Bahrain’s artistic and cultural movement in each edition.
Several senior officials also attended the event.
