24 November 2020
Bahrain Culture Authority Celebrates International Day of Islamic Art On 25 & 26 November
Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities’ scheduled events celebrating the International Day of Islamic Art kicks off on 25 November 2020, presenting for two successive days a multitude of various activities, exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions by experts. These events will certainly shed lights on the beauty and authenticity of this art, its richness and diversity and its solid links with Bahrain’s culture and civilization. All BACA’s planned events to celebrate the International Day of Islamic Art were made possible through the generous support of GFH Financial Group BSC (GFH). Worth mentioning that the 40th session of the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Paris, adopted And approved the proposal of the Kingdom of Bahrain regarding the 18th of November as International Day of Islamic Art, as part of celebrations of Muharraq as Capital of Islamic Culture.
Events will kick off on 25 November with the official inauguration of “Murals Inspired by Islamic Art” at the exterior façade of the Art Center. The visual art of Calligraphy assembles words together in to express more than just the words. It is among many elements central to Islamic art that will be highlighted at the Art Center. Twelve participating Bahraini artists have been commissioned to create original outdoor murals and will commence their works throughout the month of November to unveil these murals on the International Day of Islamic Art. The calligraphy-inspired murals will go on display at 4pm.
On 25 November, the Bahrain National Museum will also host an art exhibition displaying the artworks of seven artists from Islamic cultural backgrounds; the Gulf region, North Africa, Andalusia (Spain) and Southeast Asia. In addition, “ Al-Fadhel Minaret “ exhibition will present the architectural and scientific methods of the restoration processes, while guided tour will showcase the inauguration of the restored Al-Fadhel Mosque minaret. This project is supported by Her Highness Shaikha Maryam bint Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait.
International Day of Islamic Art celebrating events will carry on on Wednesady, 25 November, with a panel discussion on “Global Perspectives on Islamic Art Today” via Zoom. Registration is required for this event via our website www.culture.gov.bh . Indded, this session will shed lights on Islamic Art that is not a monotheistic style or movement; it spans 1,400 years. The session will feature Dr. Heba Nayel Barakat - Head of Curatorial Affairs of the Islamic Art Museum – Malaysia, Dr. Ulrike Al-Khamis - Interim Director of the Aga Khan Museum – Canada and Seif El-Rashidi - Director Barakat Trust - United Kingdom.
Events of the first day will conclude with a film screening “Islamic Art - Mirrors of the Invisible World” at Bahrain National Museum’s outdoor space. Registration is required for this event via BACA’s website. On 26 November, Bahrain Culture Authority will present an astonishing movie-screening event at Bahrain National Museum’s outdoor external space. Through the eyes of twelve international artists, the award-winning documentary “Traces of the Soul” explores the world of contemporary calligraphy and why it is an increasingly relevant art form in this digital age. The film reveals how the art, philosophies and life stories of these artists, whose diverse works are rooted in the ancient traditions of calligraphy, reflect and engage with the modern world. Registration is required for this event via BACA’s website.
From 25 November until 3 decmber 2020, Darseen Café at the Bahrain National Museum is happy to present a special menu of six dishes, each representing a cultural center within the ancient pan Islamic world having contributed to the rich artistic facet of the Islamic tradition. These dishes will represent the geographic centers of Xinjiang- China, Morocco – North Africa, Moghul India – the subcontinent, Andalusia, and the Malabar coast. Be sure to book your spot to try these delicious and representative dishes while enjoying outdoor film screenings being shown at the Bahrain National Museum on the 25th, and 26th.
Worth to mention that Bahrain Culture Authority is organizing these events at the Bahrain National Museum and the Art Center while taking into account all safety regulations and precautionary measures such as 2 meter social distancing requirement when visiting premises, archeological and heritage sites, venues and facilities, live theatres, faith-based gatherings, cinemas, and drive-in events. It is meant to help you develop a plan adhering to public health requirements to reduce the risks related to COVID-19. BACA calls on all visitors to observe the following safety conditions; Cooperation and compliance with BACA’s employees and staff stationed at cultural site venues, following their instructions and wearing a face masks at all times.
