16 October 2019
Bahrain Culture Authority Launches “ Artist –in- the -Classroom” Initiative, In cooperation with 4 Formative art fine artists and the Ministry of Education
Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities has recently launched, 10 October 2019, a new challenging cultural initiative, a new art experience themed “Artist-in-the-Classroom”, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. The aim of this visiting artist program project to Bahraini public schools would particularly focus on creative visual skills development where an artist would work for a short time with a group students to invigorate the curriculum and help address cuts to arts programs that have happened at many schools, educate the school community about the value of art in our society, and benefit students well beyond arts classes, function as an in-place field trip, and strengthen the school’s ties to parents and art community.
Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities confirms that this initiative comes as part of its efforts to enhance and develop the formative art admirers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as invest in the creative talents and skills of the promising Bahraini youth. “Artist-in-the-Classroom” program provides a high quality, comprehensive visual arts curriculum, whereby students learn about works of art from cultures around the world, how to look at art using art vocabulary and concepts, and how to express themselves by creating their own unique masterpieces, BACA argued. The multifaceted lessons develop students ‘critical-thinking skills, creativity, visual literacy, self-esteem, and an appreciation of other cultures among the next social generations, BACA has pointed out.
The thinking behind these artists direct contacts with classroom students is to take a developmental approach towards the teaching of art and to develop
approaches, which enable the participants to explore the world of imagination over a longer period of time, in the company of an experienced artist. The participation of the teacher and the development of a working alliance between the art teacher and artist are fundamental to this approach. This new experimental edition art in action involves artists like Mayasa Al-Suwaidi, artist Mahmood al-Sharqawi and artist Areej Rajab and will close its events with artist Jamal Abdulraheem. These artists will present and supervise art workshops in four public schools, namely East Rifaa Girls Primary School, Al-Budaiya Girls Primary School, Abu-Bakr Al-Seddiq Boys Primary School and Al-Busaiteem Boys Primary School.
Bahrain Culture Authority undertake to help these four schools students who made inspiring creative painting techniques and drawings gather and present their artwork in a special exhibition to be showcased at Studio 244 -By Arad Bay Protected Area & Park, during the BACA’s National Day celebrations next December.
