10 December 2017
Organized by BNP Paris In cooperation with Culture Authority, Bahrain Museum hosts “ Women Changing India” exhibition
Bahrain National Museum will host the world photography exhibition by Magnum Photo agency on the theme of “Women changing India”, organized by BNP Paribas bank in Bahrain, which is the first time it cooperates with Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities. The exhibition will be open to public from 12 December to 21 December from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm.
The Women Changing India project is an initiative that commemorates the 150-year anniversary of BNP Paribas Bank and its operations in India. Since 2010 the exhibition was hosted in 5 cities in India including Mumbai, Delhi, Kochi, Chennai and Kolkata. The exhibit has toured throughout the world visiting cities such as Paris, London, Brussels, Stuttgart, San Francisco, Milan and Tokyo to name just a few.
This project, initiated by BNP Paribas, combines the talents of Magnum Photo Agency and Zubaan, a Delhi-based publishing house specializing in books for and about women in South Asia. Six subjects covered by six well-known Magnum photographers: Martine Franck, Alex Webb, Patrick Zachmann, Alessandra Sanguinetti, Olivia Arthur, and Raghu Rai have been identified to highlight the cultural and geographical diversity of women's lives in India. Each subject highlights the changing roles, aspirations, opportunities and challenges that Indian women face, whether they live in villages or cities, whether they are students, taxi drivers, lawyers, movie directors or business leaders.
H.E Shaikha Hala Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, Arts & Culture Director at Bahrain’s Authority for Culture & Antiquities (BACA), said “ We are pleased to inaugurate “Women changing India” exhibition at Bahrain National Museum, an honorable institution that keeps attracting world major exhibitions to enhance cultural and civilizational exchange efforts initiated by the Kingdom of Bahrain” . H. E added saying “We strongly believe that culture is capable of making a positive impact and big change to our societies, and this exhibition with all its magnificent photos will give the visitors the opportunity to discover the beautiful world of Indian women”. H.E expressed her gratitude and thanks to all those who contributed to the success of event, especially to PNB Paris bank for this support to cultural events and for his constant cooperation with Bahrain Culture Authority in this regard.
Jacques Michel, Head of BNP Paribas Middle East & Africa: “We are delighted to bring the Women Changing India exhibition to South Africa. As the bank for a changing world we celebrate change, especially where we find that it has a positive transforming effect on society and people’s lives. It is for this reason that we commissioned this photography exhibition which helps to illustrate how India is changing and how women are at the very heart of this change."
The program of official inauguration day of the exhibition features a round table discussion session, organized by PNB Paris, in cooperation with BACA, on how “ Women are changing Bahrain”, a theme that is in harmony with the exhibition main idea, that is “ women and change”. This discussion session will be attended and animated by H.E Hala Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, H.E Shaikha Deena bint Rashid Al Khalifa, Acting Director of Public and International Affairs at the Supreme Council for Women and photographer and artist, Camille Zakaria. The participants will discuss the roles and the positive impacts of Bahraini women. The panel discussion will be moderated by the author and publisher Urvashi Butalia.
Worth to mention that BNP Paribas have a deeply held commitment to social responsibility and equal opportunities and has transformed this commitment into concrete action in each of the countries in which it has a presence.
