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For the 15th  consecutive year, the Spring of Culture Festival returns in a new cultural season full of activities that cater to various tastes, interests and age groups and underscores the Kingdom of Bahrain’s position as a leading regional and global cultural hub.

Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, the Economic Development Board and Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammad Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research, in cooperation  with Albareh Art Gallery and La Fontaine Gallery, announced the details of the 15th Edition of the Spring of Culture Festival events 2019, in a  press conference, which was held at the National Theater, Manama, on 9 February 2020.

The press conference was attended by  H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa BACA President,  as well as several diplomats and ambassadors, Spring of Culture 15th ‘s edition  sponsors, cultural personalities and media members.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammad Al Khalifa said: “Through Festival of Cultural, held every year, we can safely say to the whole world that culture is resistance action endeavour that is capable of achieving prosperity and outstanding development to our countries; the 15th  edition of the festival is richly dense with an array of activities and events in cultural manifestations and diversified in historical discourse, reflecting a well-thought slogan we choose for 2020, namely “Dilmun: Land of Density”. H.E added to say “ The festival, which runs for more than two months, is a continuation of the nation’s journey of cultural achievements and the cross-roads of civilizations, with a full-fledged and diverse schedule of literary, musical, formative art, theatrical activities etc.”. Indeed, over its past editions, the two-month festival has consolidated its reputation as an important cultural gathering that brings events and personalities from all over the world to Bahrain and enriches the local cultural movement, H.E said

H.E Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa argued that the secret of achieving great cultural deeds and splendid events lies in the concerted efforts of all Bahrainis, reminding that the Spring of Culture festival is considered a perfect example of successful cooperation between private and public sectors, leading to the development of a strong sustainable cultural infrastructure that  would uplift Bahrain to become  a world cultural destination. H.E expressed her sincerest gratitude and thanks  the Economic Development Board and to Mr Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan. Chief Executive, Economic Development Board for the exemplary and fruitful cooperation between highly estimated authorities , such as Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities, the Economic Development Board and Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammad Al Khalifa Center for Culture & Research.  H.E also extended thanks to all other festival’s contributors, such as private organizations and entities that help in the successful organisation of the festival, such Albareh Art Gallery and La Fontaine Gallery. H.E also thanked all the sponsors of this year’s edition of the festival, affirming that culture remains an important for the progress  of society and achieve a sustainable development industry.     
Expressing his appreciation for the efforts of the public and private sector sponsors of the Spring of Culture Festival, Mr. Humaidan said: “The rise in sponsorship of the Spring of Culture festival year after year reflects the keenness of all stakeholders to establish Bahrain as a regional and global cultural centre. Over its past editions, the two-month festival has consolidated its reputation as an important cultural gathering that brings events and personalities from all over the world to Bahrain and enriches the local cultural movement.”  Mr. Humaidan, EDB Chief Executive Officer, added that with the aim of diversifying the economic base, giving a boost to non-oil revenues’ sectors, our strategic plan to support the Spring of Culture Festival,  has demonstrated how to connect and develop private sector investments in culture in order to highlight Bahrain’s openness to other world cultures since ancient times.  He also said attracting foreign investment in line with the Economic Development Board’s objective of supporting tourism as it is an important and growing sector that has significant competitive advantages and tremendous development and job creation potential, making Bahrain a favorite  international tourist destination”.

The 2019 Spring of Culture’s Silver Sponsors include Alba, Bahrain Airport Company, Bahrain Duty Free, Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait, CITYNEAON, DHL, Gulf Air Alba, Bank of Bahrain,  Tamkeen. The festival is also sponsored by Bahrain Bay, IDM, Park Point. In addition, the program of the festival is supported by many embassies in Bahrain, as such as the embassy of Tunisia, Egypt, Sri Lanka,  Japan, and German.

The press conference’s singing interacts were performed by Tunisian, Mrs. Faiza Al-Rabiie, singing  genuine classical Arabic music of  Um Kalthum, Fairouz and Sabah Fakhri.

After the genuine classical music performance, the press conference revealed an amazing line up of gorgeous events, a bouquet of a thousand flowers, ranging between amazing pulsating music, phenomenal performances, global talents to be hosted by cultural institutions, historical sites and iconic urban centers around Bahrain, building thus a bridge between Bahrain and the world at large. As is the case every year, The 15th Edition of the Spring of Culture festival kicks off on 25 February,  coinciding with Arab Tourism Day, adopted by  the “ Manama Capital of Arab Tourism 2013”,  and also  in conjunction  with the birthday of Arab renowned explorer traveler  Ibn Batutah.

Exhibitions:

The 2020 festival season features numerous art exhibitions, starting with the 46th  Bahrain Fine Arts Exhibition, hosted this year by Bahrain National Musuem and Bahrain Theater, until 6 March 2020. The on-going “Dive into the Jurassic” will continue its display until the 16th of March at the Bahrain National Museum, bringing an interactive exhibition that, unlike the standard exhibition, has touchable artifacts and immersive CGI that will submerge visitors into the ancient sea. This exhibition is curated and produced by the Natural History Museum (London) and is generously supported by the British Council, DCMS and GREAT through the UK-Gulf Culture and Sport Programme. Moreover, award-winning Italian artist Ezio Gribaudo will launch his first solo exhibition in the region at the Bahrain National Museum in the 1ST of  March 2020.

Beyond local talents, this season brings you an immersive, multi-screen sound and video installation exhibition called “Topologies of Air” by Scottish-Danish artist Shona Illingworth that will be on display at the Bahrain National Museum on 1st April 2020. Accompanying the “Topologies of Air” exhibition is discussion examining the accelerating geopolitical, technological and environment impacts on the deviating composition, nature and use of airspace. The Bahrain National Museum Auditorium is offering a study of filmography and videography as a course, accompanied by established professionals in their respective fields. This installation is presented by The Wapping Project, in partnership with the Bahrain National Museum, and generously supported by the British Council, DCMS and GREAT through the UK-Gulf exhibition programme. Qalat’a al Bahrain Site Museum will host “ Revolution Bahrain Fashion” between 2-30 April 2020, whereby the visitors will deepen their unique relationships with clothes, his environment and the best ways to take care of them and their future.

 The Memory of the Place - Bin Matar House will host the exhibition by Hala Al Khalifa will exhibit her latest body of work at Bin Matar House under the title “Where Do We Sit?” between 15 Feb-26 March 2020, a namely a of series paintings on canvas tissue, shedding lights on chairs and couches, as a main theme reminiscent of feelings of belonging, contact, void a longing while  Architecture Heritage House, part of Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture & Research will host  “Architectural Ethnography” by Japanese Atelier Bow-Wow on 18 February 2020.

The open space of historic Muharraq city will host, on 17 March,  an exhibition “From a Different Angle  organized by Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture & Research, featuring artist and master sculptor Khalid Farhan Farhan in  his latest artworks – three beautiful oversized outdoor sculptures. During this special launch event, these sculptures will be revealed in the beautiful setting of historical Muharraq, with its characteristic narrow and winding streets and traditional urban squares and winding streets and traditional urban squares.   Mai Al Moataz will launch her “Proof of Presence” exhibition, held between 8 April-8 Mai. Her work is an exploration of dualities and paradoxes, absence and presence, where she uses time, space, light and chemistry to deconstruct her experiential universe. In her first solo exhibition, Al Moataz invites us into her world.

Albareh Art Gallery will launch, on 18 February until 10 March 2020, a solo exhibition featuring the works of Bahraini artist Mohammed Al Mahdi called “Greetings to Fernando Botero” as well as an exhibition by Lebanese artist Zena Assi titled “Wallpaper” reflecting the transformation of urban contemporary environments, on 17 March-9 April 2020, in which she tools and techniques, such as painting, printing, tri-Dimensional design, paper drawing, shedding lights on urban and modern transformations, and the impacts on social and political changes.

 The Art Center will host its first solo exhibition on 23 February, running until 20 March, featuring   artist Abdulrahim Sharif “What Night Does” ; in his works, artist Abdulrahim Sharif separates the literal notion of who he is as a person and that metaphorical being of existence through intangible senses. Between 12-22 April 2020, a joint art exhibition entitled “Fourth Dimension” by porcelain artist Huda Al-Saie and painter and sculptor Khalid Farhan will establish a unique dialogue on nature and plants.

On 26 February 2020,  La Fontaine Centre for Contemporary Art will host “Reconnect,” an art exhibition uniting a group of established artists whom will use the old doors of La Fontaine as their medium. Moving to Arad, Studio 244 – Arad Bay Protected Area and Park presents the “What if Rashid Didn’t Exist”, a performing arts that looks at the symbiotic relationship between artists, looking at the influence Khalid Al Ruwaie draws from Rashid Al Oraifi between 15-18 March 2020.

On 25 March, the 19th Bahrain International Book Fair, a biennial literary event showcasing regional and international publishers and booksellers spanning all subject areas under one roof, will kick off  at Bahrain National Museum, with Kuwait as the Guest of Honour.

Music, performances  and Shows

The Spring of Culture Festival is replete with song, music and theatre performances, , kicking  off on 25 February 2020 at the Bahrain National Theatre, with “Hadid Tears” by the Egyptian Modern Dance Theatre & Cairo Opera House, Directed by Walid Aouni. The forms she creates are seemingly endless through her designs, dancing with the universe as the Sufis do through their circular movements. It’s their peculiar approach to space and element of cathartic release that metaphorically connects the two. The Bahrain Theatre will also host a musical evening “Sweet Past Melodies” by the Bulgarina symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the Bahraini icon and  maestro Mubarek Najim, as Bulgarian maestro Diane Pavlov.

Bahraini traditional folk music events during the festvial include weekly Mohammed bin Faris performances at the Mohammed bin Faris Hall on Thursdays, bringing sweet memories of pearling happy times, while Dar al Muharraq will host on 29 Februry, 14 & 28 March, and 11 April amazing Fijjri sout evenings. On 7 March, 21 & 4 April Dar al Riffa will also host traditional Bahraini music evenings.

The Cultural Hall, in turn, is set to host a multicultural series of live performances starting with Sri Lankan “ Channa Upuli”, on 27 February 2020, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the most celebrated Sri Lankan dance company, the Channa-Upuli Performing Arts Foundation, are set to perform in Bahrain. On 4,5 & 7 March 2020, the Cultural Hall will host “Mr. Men & Little Misses”, by British Entertainment Life theater group.

 On 12 March,  the Cultural Hall will host a theater show  by Traditional Japanese Vaudeville Theatre. The event is organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom of Bahrain and sponsored by K E Kanoo Mazda Bahrain, whereby two distinct performing arts, from Japanese Traditional Vaudeville Theatre Rakugo and Daikagura, take center stage.
On 13 March,  the Cultural Hall will host also “Pianotainment”, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Germany in the Kingdom of Bahrain, whereby  the critically acclaimed, one-of-a-kind concert Pianotainment performs in Bahrain! Starring concert pianists Stephan Weh and Marcel Dorn, Pianotainment is a spectacular four handed piano show that has dazzled the world for over 20 years. On 19 March, Barbaros Büyükakkan is a famous Turkish singer with 9 years of professional experience under his belt – he has released 2 albums and 4 singles, and performs over a hundred concerts annually around the globe. Barbaros is distinguished for his unique music as he bridges various styles and performs in different languages. He is fluent in French, English Italian and Greek, and sings in Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic as well.

On 25 & 26 March 2020, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in the Kingdom of Bahrain and in celebration of International Theatre Day, this contemporary performance showcases two popular figures across Egypt and the Arab World, bringing them to Bahrain. Raya and Sakina are two personalities that have roused contradictory opinions as some consider them thugs whereas others consider them heroines in the face of colonialism. The last show will be entertainment Live, the adored British theater troupe, presents an action-packed retelling of Aladdin  on 4 & 6 April 2020 and introduce us to Romeo & Juliet on 30 & 31 March 2020: The Musical, topped off with a catchy pop score.

On 26 February,  Shaikh Ebrahim Center for Culture & Research Naoko Kikuchi - Japan Naoko Kirkuchi will showcase activity, playing new pieces, commissioning to composers for koto, collaborate with other field of musicians and artists (dance, drama), are very wide. Naoko has a large repertoire; she plays classic koto music, classic chamber music, modern and contemporary, improvisation. On 2 March,  a joint performance between Palestinian pianist Fadi Deeb and Palestinian-Japanese artist Mariam Tamari; and Conversation between Lebanese qanun player Elie Achkar and the guitarist Manuel Delgado.

The festival also features a series of concerts organized by the Economic Development Board that will be held at purpose-built open-air theatre in Bahrain Bay headlined by several Bahraini, Arab and international artists. The line-up includes more programs for performance enthusiasts as well,  will host a concert for GRAMMY Award winner Ms. Lauryn Hill, on 28 February, Omar Kamel and Banah on 6 March 2020.   Additionally, a theatrical dance entitled  “The Merchants of Bollywood” will execute an electrifying show on 26 & 27 March, featuring 40 artists.

The Bahrain Fort also has a share in this year’s festival as it hosts the interactive “Sound and Light” display which brings to life the history of ancient site from the Dilmun  civilization to today , both in English and Arabic. Tickets are available on site.

Literary, intellectual Lectures  and cultural meetings

As always, Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research will lead the slate of literary and intellectual events of the festival. The program includes lectures by Prof. Dr. Albert De Roeck – Belgium, on 4 March 2020.  Prof. Dr. Albert De Roeck is a senior research scientist and a staff member of the largest particle physics laboratory in the world, CERNgives seminars and lectures all over the world on the physics potential and results of the LHC project. De Roeck got a doctor honoris from the University of Helsinki, Finland. Co-author of more than 1600 scientific papers. On 16 March, Ibrahim Issa - Egypt An Egyptian journalist and founder of the prominent Egyptian newspaper Addustour, “ a Novel History or Historical Novel” in which  Ibrahim Issa’s bold opinions are reflected in his articles and books. Issa worked in the written and broadcast media as a presenter of a number of TV programmes on various heavily watched Arab and Egyptian channels. On 13 April, Mohamed Salmawy, an Egyptian writer, will give a lecture titled “The Art of the Biography between Privacy and the History of the Homeland”, while, Talib al Rifai, A Kuwaiti novelist and storyteller, will present his “ Writing and the Happiness Hormone” on 27 April 2020.

In addition to literature, the festival will shed light on poetry, with the Ebrahim Al-Arrayed House of Poetry hosting many evenings of poetry  by Saudi poet, Ahmad Al-Ali “ Souvenir of the Opposing Chairs” on 9 March, while , on 6 April, poet Samir Darwish  “ Status of Women in The Egyptian Poetic Landscape”.

On 23 March,  Kheirallah Kheirallah, at Abdullah Al-Zayed House, will give a lecture on  “ Iran and its policy of Linking in Iraq” , while Russian Artium Kapchuk will present “ Psychology of the Russian People Between the West and the East” on 20 April 2020.

Bahrain Culture Authority enriches the lectures’ planning of the festival, presenting on 24 March lecture, titled “Kingdom of Bahrain, a Joyful Tributary of Civilization”  by  Dr. Murad Abdullah Al Janabi, professor of religious studies at the University of Applied Sciences, will conduct a lecture on the historical importance of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

FIVE AT BAB

 At Bab Al-Bahrain, BACA will continue the weekly Thursday events of 5 PM at Bab, offering visitors a variety of family-friendly activities that reflect the dynamics of the locale and its historical value.

Cinema and Movies L

Cinephiles will not feel left out either, with a full program of events highlighting the art of filmmaking, including Tunisian Film Festival, to be held at Bahrain National Museum on 26 February, 4 & March.  “Japan Animation Film Festival” organized in collaboration with the Japanese Embassy, will be held on 8 & 11 March, while Pearling Path Visitor Center will screen Palestinian film directed by Elia Suleiman, titled “ The Time That Remains”, on 27 February. An Indian movie  “Lagaan, Once Upon a Time in India” will be showcased on 19 March, and “The Bicycle Thief” on 9 April.

Bahrain National Museum will also solo cinema screenings, such as “  You Will Die at Twenty”, on 29 February, and “  Artist Documentary: Erase and Forget” by Andrea Luka Zimmerman, on 21 March, and “  The Two Sights” by Joshua Bonnetta, on 28 March.
Bahrain Fort Site Museum will screen, on 5 March, “Alice in Wonderland”  and “ Fairouz Hanim” on 16 April. Al Waha Cinema Complex in Al Juffair, Bahrain cinema Club, will hold its “ 2020 Bahrain Cinema Festival”, celebrating many young talented cinema fugures, presenting shows on 4 & March.

Educational and Cultural Activities

The Spring of Culture Festival will present  an array of cultural and educational activities whereby children, on 22 February, through “Folk Storytelling”  will have the opportunity to learn of events and tales that took place in the neighborhoods of Muharraq through this storytelling event. On 29 February, Bahrain Culture Authority will organize an  alternative Bahrain with the “Archaeology Walkathon” tour passing through various archaeological sites north of Bahrain. The trail will start at the Qal’at Al Bahrain Site, passing through surrounding farms and historical locations, finally ending at the Barbar Temple Site. The tour is sponsored by GIPEC.

On 7 March, you are invited to learn more about the history of the nation through a study of its folk medicine with the “Tour: Medicinal Plants” event. Participants will learn about the healing properties of plants and herbs, followed by  a tour to a nearby factor to observe the distillation process of these folk medicines. Shaikh Ebrahim Center For Culture & Research will organize a tour to introduce “ Bahrain Early Modern Architecture” on 29 February, while on 28 March, BACA plans to organize “Pearling Path Board Games League” whereby the participants could enjoy UNESCO World Heritage List site.

 Discussions and meetings will be also present at this festival edition, kicking off Topologies of Air, exhibition launch on 31 March, a round table discussion between artist  Shona Illingworth  and Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa, Archaeology & Museums Directorate, shedding lights on her artist-in-residence experience in Bahrain. On 4 April, the public will have the opportunity to a discussion, music performance  and film screening, while on 1 April, The annual Food is Culture project is back, an experimental initiative that aims to tie the philosophies of a variety of artists from musicians to photographers to the works of accompanying culinary artists, culminating towards the publication of the 5th journal edition.

Workshops, social responsibility, and talent development

The Spring of Culture Festival will present a series of workshops in various artistic fields, such as Calligraphy, traditional crafts for all ages,  with the support of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Economic Development Board, the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Centre for Culture and Research. The workshops will offer learning opportunities designed to promote talents in various cultural disciplines. Various workshops on music will be held at the Flexible Theatre at the Bahrain National Theatre, which will be conducted by young talented Bahraini Artists. Full details on the workshops and how to register can be found on the festival’s website www.springofculture.org.

Street Theatre shows

The Spring of Culture Festival will present a number of Street Theatre shows that are free for the public. The shows will be performed by international performers in different venues around the kingdom. The calendar includes international dual groups and Families are spoiled for choice with an array of international performances by professional artists in venues across the Kingdom of Bahrain. These include Canadian “ The Flying Dutchman, a street theater filled with explosive energy and lots of fun, on 20, 21, 22 February, and 27, 28, 29 February, From the UK” Frantic” a spectacular acrobatic performance, from the Netherlands” Stick Stock” a spectacular sticks, on 5,6 and 7 March  and from Italy “ The Marlon Banda Show “a hilarious comic street theatre with a live instrumental music twist, on 12, 13 & 14 March.

 To stay up to date on all festival news, we invite you to follow us on our official account (@springofculture) on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. You can find the all the details on the various events and activities and register in any of the various workshops by visiting (www.springofculture.org).